Storm Hazard mitigation structures

Abstract

Hard structures have long been the method of shore protection from coastal storms. In this chapter, we first introduce the design criteria, design philosophy, and design constraints. Both armored shorelines (seawalls, dikes, revetments, etc.) and stabilized shorelines (headland breakwaters, near-shore breakwaters, groins, etc.), are possible alternatives. However, stabilized shorelines coupled with beach nourishment (Chap. 29) have become the preferred choice for many reasons at many locations. Rubble-mound (rock) structures and monolithic (concrete) structures are the most common types. Their functional design (wave run-up, overtopping, plan form layout, etc.) and structural stability (armor layer, sliding, overturning, etc.) are the focus of this chapter summarizing the latest and most trusted probabilistic design methods employed in the United States, Europe, and Japan. There exists a very large literature on these topics. Design practice details are quite extensive; we include website links to major reference sites, and a responsible engineer must consult these references for all the details. In the future, the potential for the accelerated, relative sea level rise (including local subsidence) will increase the risk for more damage and reduce the resilience of existing shore protection systems. The design of hard structures for shore protection continues to evolve over time. As sea levels rise more quickly, the need for more basic research and more knowledgeable coastal engineers will also increase.