Numerical Beach Profile Modelling for Beachfill Projects

by Robert B. Nairn,
Keith J. Riddell,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Engineering Practice

Abstract:

The use of beachfill in addressing coastal erosion problems is becoming increasingly popular. It is often more attractive than the conventional structural approaches for economic, aesthetic and environmental reasons. The complexity of coastal morphodynamics warrants a comprehensive investigation into the stability of proposed beachfill projects in order to fully capitalize on the advantages of the beachfill approach. Two aspects of the beachfill stability must be investigated, the short term storm response and the long term redistribution (and eventual loss) of fill material. In this paper, two examples of short term response tests for engineering projects are investigated using a numerical model. A micro-computer based numerical model has been developed for the prediction of cross-shore sediment transport and beach profile evolution. The model is based entirely on physical processes and therefore may be applied to any beach without the need of calibration. In an extensive Investigation of this type of approach to modelling. Nairu (1990) has demonstrated the capabilities of the model in predicting both beach erosion and recovery.

Subject Headings: Numerical models | Beach profiles | Sediment transport | Coastal management | Beach protection and nourishment | Erosion | Transportation engineering

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