A Wave-Energy Dissipation Structure for Shore Protection and Beach Generation, Recovery, and Stabilization

by William S. Haras, Shoregard Inc., Guelph, Canada,
Robert P. Bukata, Shoregard Inc., Guelph, Canada,
Phil Donnelly, Shoregard Inc., Guelph, Canada,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastlines of Canada

Abstract:

WAVEBLOCK a steel reinforced concrete modularized structure designed to dissipate the energy of saline and freshwater waves is described. The modularized structure, which weighs upwards of 4 tons, consists of horizontal platforms interconnected with vertical columns equally-spaced and arranged in a checkerboard pattern. This structure has been continuously and successfully performing at a Lake Huron test site near Sarnia, Ontario since June 1987. Shoreline profiles are presented to illustrate that the WAVEBLOCK structure a) effectively absorbs wave energy, b) effectively accumulates sand on its landside to generate a stable beach configuration, and c) effectively accumulates sand on its offshore side while not impeding littoral drift processes.

Subject Headings: Coastal protection structures | Coastal management | Beach protection and nourishment | Beach profiles | Steel structures | Sandy soils | Sand (hydraulic) | Lake Huron | Great Lakes | Ontario | Canada

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