Rational Techniques for Evaluating the Potential of Sands for Beach Nourishment
Abstract
The rational design of beach-nourishment projects requires the ability to calculate the geometry of the added sand volume. This capability is essential for quantitative evaluation of relative merits of various borrow areas and in benefit/cost analysis of such projects. In many cases, the material may be a by-product of a dredging project carried out for purposes other than beach nourishment, and the material dredged or to be placed may have a different grain-size distribution than the original or native beach. This report presents a new methodology for predicting the equilibrium beach profile resulting from placement of an arbitrary volume of material with an arbitrary grain-size distribution on a profile of arbitrary shape and grainsize distribution. The methodology developed, which depends on the theory of equilibrium profile shape, is proposed as an alternative to traditional compatibility and overfill ratio factors for borrow and native material. The methodology considers two- dimensional (cross-shore) conditions. The theory is first developed and characteristics of equilibrium beach profiles relevant to beach-nourishment projects are presented. The theory is then applied in four specific examples covering a range of beach, native sediment, and fill material conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA270735
Entities
People
- Jorge Abramian
- Robert G. Dean
Organizations
- University of Florida