Integration of soil mechanics in numerical models of surf zone beach processes
Abstract
The long term goal of the proposed work is to predict rapid beach evolution and the associated variations in seabed soil strength and textural seabed properties due to storms by integrating soil mechanics into regional-scale morphodynamic models. For naval operation, such model can assist with calibrations for acoustic surveying and navigation, as well as with trafficability assessment from remote sensing. To achieve the long term goal, the proposed two-year collaborative research between the University of Florida (PI Stark), Villanova University (Co-PI Hubler), and University of Delaware (PI Hsu) aims at understanding the relationship between local geomorphodynamics, beach sediment strength and textural properties, and hydrodynamic forcing conditions by analyzing existing field data, improving numerical modeling tools, and testing the improved modeling capabilities during a proof-of-concept field experiment. We propose to address the following five research objectives. Firstly, we will correlate geomorphodynamic change with geotechnical strength and textural sediment properties at the beach/seabed surface and at sediment depths of 0-3 meters and with hydrodynamic forcing conditions observed during two field experiments in 2023. Secondly, we propose to improve the performance of the morphodynamic model XBeach to simulate the geomorphological change observed during the two 2023 field experiments (including an onshore and an offshore migration event, respectively). Thirdly, we plan to assess the role of different geotechnical sediment properties and pore pressure behavior on sediment dynamics along cross-shore profiles with special focus on the swash zone and the surf zone. Fourthly, we will explore pathways to integrate relevant and measurable geotechnical properties into XBeach modeling and assess its potential impact for navigation as well as trafficability. Lastly, we propose to demonstrate performance of improved modelling capabilities. Theseresearch objectiveswill be addressed within a two-year project with year 1 being focused on objectives 1-4 and year 2 will be focused on objectives 3-5.Approved for Public Release.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 08, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412551
Entities
People
- Tian-jian Hsu
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Delaware