Dolosse: The Unpatented South African Invention Protecting Global Coasts

Dolosse – a South African invention used over the world

I explore the story of the dolosse, a massive concrete structure invented in South Africa to protect coastlines from erosion. These unique, interlocking blocks, weighing up to 80 tons, allow water to flow through them, dissipating wave energy far more effectively than standard concrete blocks. Despite their global use in harbors and breakwaters, the original inventors received no payment or recognition because they were employees of the South African Railway & Harbour Services and never filed a patent.

"The dolos is a South African invention for which the inventors received no payment or recognition."