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Development of Optimum Beach Fill Design Cross-Section

by Mark Hansen, US Army Engineer Waterways, Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,
Mark R. Byrnes, US Army Engineer Waterways, Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Sediments

Abstract:

Accurate beach profile surveys, wave information, and sediment data taken at Ocean City, Maryland provided an opportunity to evaluate four beach fill design alternatives using the beach profile change numerical model SBEACH. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine which design provided the greatest level of protection to upland structures against wave-induced storm damage. Model calibration tests show excellent agreement between measured and predicted change for the March 1989 northeaster. Calculated sand volume change above NGVD did not differ from the measured change by more than 4 cu yd and generally was around 1 cu yd per linear ft of beach. Four different beach fill design cross-sections were subjected to processes in association with a single northeaster, back-to-back northeasters, and a hurricane. The four designs were: 1) standard U.S. design, 2) storm-berm, 3) profile nourishment, and 4) protective dune. All designs withstood the impact of one northeaster or hurricane; however, the magnitude of volume change above NGVD relative to initial sand placement varied. Study results suggest that the best design for protection of backshore area against storm impacts is a protective dune.

Subject Headings: Beach profiles | Numerical models | Coastal management | Beach protection and nourishment | Mathematical models | Fills | Dunes | Maryland | United States

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