Anchor has flexibility: bull kelp

1 of 3 Nereocystis luetkeana (Bull kelp) / August Rode / License

Anchors of bull kelp protect it from torque by being flexible.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Manage structural forces >
	Mechanical wear

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Providing flexible but strong anchors for buildings in areas of high winds, unstable ground, or underwater. Providing anchors for wave- or tidal-powered energy structures.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Kelp’s survival depends on flexibility and extensibility. Each alga can grow up to 20 to 45 m (22 to 49 yd) long and consists of a holdfast, stipe, float, and fronds. The holdfast uses a flexible network of root-like haptera or anchors to attach the kelp to the ocean floor. By being flexible, the haptera allow the kelp’s base to rotate slightly, thus providing some protection from the high torque created by waves." (Biomimicry Guild unpublished report)

About the inspiring organism

Bull kelp
Nereocystis luetkeana (Mertens) Postels & Ruprecht
[Seatron, bull kelp]

IUCN Red List Status: Unknown
Habitat(s): Marine Coastal/Supratidal

Some organism data provided by: AlgaeBase
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Providing flexible but strong anchors for buildings in areas of high winds, unstable ground, or underwater. Providing anchors for wave- or tidal-powered energy structures.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Energy, construction

bioBASE™ mooring system - Attachment, anchor, wave power, mooring

bioWAVE™ - Power Generation

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