Coastal Engineering Technical Note. Application of SBeach to Coastal Projects
Abstract
PURPOSE: To provide an overview and describe several engineering applications of the Storm-Induced BEach CHange (SBEACH) model. BACKGROUND: SBEACH is a numerical simulation model for predicting beach, berm, and dune erosion due to storm waves and water levels. Assumed in application of the model is that beach profile change during a storm event is dominated by cross-shore processes, and longshore transport effects on profile change are negligible. Application of the model is presently limited to profiles with noncohesive sediments, with no exposed reefs or bedrock. The model does not account for variations in profile response due to localized longshore effects (e.g., in the vicinity of a groin) or interactions with tidal currents. SBEACH was developed and tested based on analysis of laboratory experiments conducted with prototype-scale wave heights and periods, together with physical considerations of profile evolution and coastal processes. The model was validated using field data on berm and dune erosion from four sites: CERC s Field Research Facility (FRF) at Duck, North Carolina; Manasquan and Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey; and Torrey Pines Beach, California. The model was shown to represent the erosional phase of a storm event satisfactorily, while predicted profile recovery was only qualitatively in agreement with measured data. Because of a lack of data quantifying dune over-wash processes, this first version of SBEACH did not simulate dune overwash.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA576223
Entities
Organizations
- Coastal Engineering Research Center