Beach and Borrow Site Sediment Investigation for a Beach Nourishment at Ocean City, Maryland
Abstract
Native beach sediment and sediment from 9 potential borrow sites were investigated in 1986-87. The project, as finally completed, constructed a beach 8 miles long with a 100-ft-wide berm. A total of 2.7 million cu yd was removed from two borrow sites and placed on the beach. This report discusses the method used in sampling and analyzing sediment from the native beach and each borrow site. Beach samples were collected at periodic intervals along 36 profile lines perpendicular to the beach. Samples extended from the upper berm to -30 ft National Geodetic Vertical Datum. Grain size was computed for each sample, and a grand composite sample was computed for the entire beach. Results suggest that this technique collected and analyzed more samples than were necessary. Sampling schemes should be closely tied to local profile closure depth and take advantage of natural alongshore consistency in grain size. A streamlined sampling plan could also benefit the final calculated composite and improve the chance of nourishment success. Borrow sites were investigated through a combination of geophysical surveys and vibracores. Subbottom profile data were useful in locating potential coring sites. Channel samples were removed from each core and grain size analyses performed. Composite samples calculated for each borrow site were compared with the native beach composite to develop overfill ratios. Data from the cores, along with environmental and political considerations, reduced the number of potential borrow sites to three. (edc)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA222251
Entities
People
- Fred J. Anders
- Mark Hansen
Organizations
- Coastal Engineering Research Center