Sediment Handling And Beach Fill Design

Offshore sand and gravel deposits constitute an extensive mineral resource whose importance and economic value increase steadily as onshore and lagoonal sources become unavailable. One major use of these marine deposits is for beach nourishment where the amount of initial fill material needed and the expected periodic renourishment requirements are usually estimated using fill factor and renourishment beach fill models, respectively. Textural properties of borrow site and native beach sediments are used as the basic input for beach fill model calculations. Alterations to borrow sediment texture properties of dredging and handling techniques can significantly affect both the predicted response of the sediments after placement in the beach environment and economic aspects of the project.

This manual provides guidance for the design of beach fill projects intended to protect coastal development from coastal storm waves and erosion. This manual applies to HQUSACE elements, major subordinate commands, districts, laboratories, and field operating activities having responsibility for design, construction, and operation of civil works projects within the nearshore coastal region. This manual discusses the data needed, identifies data sources, and discusses parameters and methods applicable to beach fill design procedures. The importance of borrow material characteristics and procedures for adjusting the fill quantity to account for differences between natural beach material and borrow material are presented. Monitoring needs prior to, during, and following construction are also discussed.

February issue includes Appendix entitled Directory of United States Government periodicals and subscription publications; September issue includes List of depository libraries; June and December issues include semiannual index

This book is written for engineers, students of coastal processes and laypersons interested in beach nourishment, which consists of the placement of large quantities of good quality sediment on the beach to advance the shoreline seaward. The improvement of project performance through proper design and the predictability of performance are emphasized. The overall longevity of a project is addressed as are local erosional areas. The roles which wave height, project length and sediment quality play in project performance are addressed quantitatively. The results are illustrated through reference to a number of monitored nourishment projects. Biological and economic aspects of beach nourishment are addressed.