Erosion Control and Environment Restoration Plan Development, Matagorda County, Texas. Phase 1: Preliminary Investigation

Abstract

This report documents the investigation of coastal processes and development of conceptual alternatives to reduce beach erosion at two sites in Matagorda County. Sargent Beach has experienced the greatest erosion rates on the Texas Coast, prompting study into structural methods to protect beach habitat. Additionally, the three miles of beach to the east of the Mouth of the Colorado River is a candidate for structural stabilization. The proximity of the two project areas provided an opportunity to consider processes on a regional scale in an effort to improve regional shoreline stability and further understanding of regional processes. Sargent Beach is comprised of cohesive sediment overlain by a thin veneer of sand. It is located between an ephemeral inlet to the east and a flood relief inlet to the west. The region includes two major river diversion projects, an eight mile long revetment at Sargent Beach, and many other engineering modifications influencing transport. Because of the complex site, an investigation into coastal processes was conducted to determine alternative development. Understanding of physical processes developed during this investigation was applied to develop potential solutions to reduce erosion, including beach nourishment, groins, breakwaters, and installed bypassing systems.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA571167

Entities

People

  • Lauren Dunkin
  • Robert J. Thomas

Organizations

  • Engineer Research and Development Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Photography
  • Beach Erosion
  • Birds
  • Civil Engineering
  • Coastal Engineering
  • Coastal Regions
  • Colorado River
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Environment
  • Flood Control
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Habitats
  • Photographs
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Sea Level Rise
  • Shores

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Coastal and Marine Engineering/Sediment Transport/Hydraulic Engineering