Beach Nourishment Techniques

Data are presented describing the average wave climate at 10 selected beach nourishment sites on the coastline of the continental United States: Reverse Beach, Mass.; Rockaway Beach, N.Y.; Carolina Beach, N.C.; Nassau County, Fla.; Dade County, Fla.; Treasure Island, Fla.; Panama City, Fla.; Redondo Beach, Calif.; Indiana Dunes, Ind.; and Presque Isle, Pa. The data were derived by calculating the effects of refraction, shoaling, and island sheltering on the deepwater wave climate applicable to each site. Deepwater wave climates were obtained from Synoptic Shipboard Meteorological Observation data tapes and California Department of Navigation and Ocean Development Files. Tables and plots of wave height/period frequency distribution on a monthly, annual, and azimuth of approach basis are presented as a means of summarizing the calculated data. The intent of this report is to provide information that can be used later to evaluate the ability of various offshore dredging systems to perform beach nourishment work. (Author).

This report presents the results of the first two phases of a research project aimed at developing new dredging systems for beach nourishment from offshore sources. As an introduction to the subject matter, the current situation in the United States regarding beach nourishment and offshore dredging equipment is outlined. Example nourishment projects accomplished and the range of equipment used to date. Next, the engineering considerations involved in selecting an optimum nourishment system for a particular project or project category are presented, and their effects on system characteristics are discussed. The main body of the report presents the results of an investigation into equipment suitable for offshore nourishment work. Approximately 50 examples are described illustrating dredge types, pipelines, connections, and miscellaneous pieces of equipment. The examples are divided into the main categories 'existing' and 'proposed' and subdivided according to design concept. The final portion of the report consists of the selection of certain equipment subcategories for further consideration and the construction of possible offshore nourishment systems using this selected equipment. A logic network is presented outlining these possible systems, and their projected uses are discussed. Future phases of the research project are outlined. The report includes approximately 45 illustrations and 85 references directly related to offshore dredging and beach nourishment. (Author).

Like ocean beaches, sheltered coastal areas experience land loss from erosion and sea level rise. In response, property owners often install hard structures such as bulkheads as a way to prevent further erosion, but these structures cause changes in the coastal environment that alter landscapes, reduce public access and recreational opportunities, diminish natural habitats, and harm species that depend on these habitats for shelter and food. Mitigating Shore Erosion Along Sheltered Coasts recommends coastal planning efforts and permitting policies to encourage landowners to use erosion control alternatives that help retain the natural features of coastal shorelines.

Erosion is experienced by most coastlines worldwide, and it is usually attributed not only to sea level rise but also to the retention of sand in dams, the occupation of dry beaches by urbanized areas, the mining of sand as a building material for construction, and so on. Beach nourishment has evolved as the favored erosion-mitigation strategy in many areas of the world. The increasing number of people living on the coast, the safety of those people, and the high values of coastal properties are all factors that have made beach nourishment a cost-effective strategy for managing erosion in many locations. However, a new scenario of sand scarcity and environmental care has arisen in recent decades. There have been many different and interesting cases of various aspects of beach nourishment in recent years. The purpose of this invited Special Issue is to publish the most exciting experience and research with respect to this topic. Thus, novel techniques for designing, executing, and controlling these kinds of works as well as different case studies and their monitoring results and conclusions have been included, in order to present an updated state of the art for marine scientists, researchers, and engineers.

This report presents the results of the first two phases of a research project aimed at developing new dredging systems for beach nourishment from offshore sources. As an introduction to the subject matter, the current situation in the United States regarding beach nourishment and offshore dredging equipment is outlined. Example nourishment projects accomplished and the range of equipment used to date. Next, the engineering considerations involved in selecting an optimum nourishment system for a particular project or project category are presented, and their effects on system characteristics are discussed. The main body of the report presents the results of an investigation into equipment suitable for offshore nourishment work. Approximately 50 examples are described illustrating dredge types, pipelines, connections, and miscellaneous pieces of equipment. The examples are divided into the main categories 'existing' and 'proposed' and subdivided according to design concept. The final portion of the report consists of the selection of certain equipment subcategories for further consideration and the construction of possible offshore nourishment systems using this selected equipment. A logic network is presented outlining these possible systems, and their projected uses are discussed. Future phases of the research project are outlined. The report includes approximately 45 illustrations and 85 references directly related to offshore dredging and beach nourishment. (Author).