Economics & Finance

What are the cost savings using Xbloc® units?

Compared to other single layer units cost savings can readily amount to approximately 15 % due to the lower quantity of concrete demanded by Xbloc® armor units. Compared to double layer units the cost savings are much greater. Additional savings are achieved as fewer units are required. As unit orientation is not prescribed the unit is easier to place than other single layer interlocking units and this results in decreased construction time.

What are the costs of the armour layer in relation to the overall costs of the structure?

In general the cost of a breakwater depends on its size. The costs of the armour layer can amount to 30 % of the cost of the complete structure, depending on the water depth. Furthermore a breakwater built in an area with a rough wave climate and a high extreme design wave requires a heavier armour layer than a more sheltered location. As larger armour units have a greater concrete volume this has an influence on the costs of the armour layer and the complete structure.

What is the lifetime of a structure with Xbloc® units?

The lifetime of a structure containing Xbloc® units is determined by the relationship between the design conditions and the chosen unit size. In many cases armour units are designed to withstand extreme storm conditions that will occur only once in 100 years time span. A unit size is chosen such that the Xbloc® structure will withstand these conditions without any damage. Concrete durability is the other factor affecting life-time and this is a function of the concrete quality.

Does a structure with Xbloc® armour units require maintenance?

A structure containing Xbloc® armor units is designed to incur no damage during the most extreme event expected during its life-time. Therefore no maintenance of an Xbloc® breakwater should be required provided that the design has been based on correct input data and it is constructed according to the Xbloc® specifications.

What is the amount of the royalty fee that will be charged?

Please contact Delta Marine Consultants who will be pleased to provide a quotation of royalty fees for your specific project.

What does Delta Marine Consultants offer for this royalty fee?

The fee provides for the assistance of DMC during the most important phases of the project. This includes a check of the Xbloc® design if made by others, together with assistance during physical model testing. Furthermore on-site assistance during unit casting and placement will be provided along with technical specifications, formwork drawings and a placement plan. DMC has already invested heavily in the research and development of the Xbloc® armour unit. Additional research is ongoing and will continue in future to expand the range of applications of Xbloc® armor units.

Why should we pay royalties for the use of a patented unit if there are also armour units available for which the patent has expired?

The cost saving associated with use of the patented Xbloc® may be expected to exceed by far the royalties paid for the use of the Xbloc® system. Thus, even if a non-patented armor unit is chosen, the application of the Xbloc® unit should still be economically viable. In addition the use of all armour units may necessitate assistance from specialists during the design, model testing, production and placement stages. This assistance is included in the Xbloc® royalty fee. Considering patent free units it should be noted that copyright and trademark laws are applicable.