Based in the Netherlands, we know as no others the importance of coastal protection and ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management), as about two thirds of the country is vulnerable to flooding, while it is among the most densely populated countries on earth. Natural sand dunes and human-made dikes, dams and floodgates provide defence against storm surges from the North sea. In more recent years, focus is shifted to ‘living with water’ and less on increasing the dikes and sea defence structures. Also along the sea side, more ‘nature driven design’ is promoted by introducing the ‘sand engine’ as form of coastal protection and including dunes and beach along the famous Hondsbossche and Pettemer sea defence. Nonetheless our knowledge on traditional structures remains up-to-date.
Designs of coastal protection schemes may consist of (a combination of):
- Repetitive beach nourishment
- Groynes, built of rocks or lighter structures (wooden piles, geosynthetic elements)
- Reefs or breakwaters, low-crested or submerged reefs, attached or detached from the shoreline
- Revetments consisting of rocks, concrete elements or seawalls
- Installation of sediment traps in case of muddy coastlines
Approach
Prior to commencing in design of coastal protection structures, a correct understanding of the morpho-dynamic system needs to be derived. Accurate wave, flow and preliminary morphological numerical studies are required to obtain design conditions and serve as basis for the structural design studies.
Each solution or a combination thereof has its own merits or disadvantages, to be customized and balanced for each project, based on the local situation, hydraulic conditions and client demands. Depending on the driving morphological forces, local coastal features and availability of material, the best solution is selected and a design of the coastal protections scheme is made.
The optimum layout scheme and structural design is a balance between costs, functioning of the design, (environmental) impact of the scheme and (practical) construction methodology.
Services
CDR can provide the following coastal protection engineering studies:
- (Historical) Coastline evolution studies
- Wave and flow modelling studies to derive ambient and extreme (design) conditions
- Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) studies
- Coastal protection and structural design studies inclusive of geotechnical analysis
- Morphological impact studies
- Final layouts can be verified using 2D or 3D scale model testing in dedicated laboratories, under supervision of CDR.
CDR staff and partners have performed numerous coastal protection (design) studies projects all over the world. We provide highly accurate modelling studies, comprehensive project management with a flexible approach to the client and experienced design experts for cost-effective design optimization.
