Storm hazard assessment for urban areas

Abstract

Storm surges are one of the most significant threats for coastal urban areas. In view of finding a way to minimize sea storm damages to anthropic structures, this paper focuses on the analysis of storm hazard investigation methods and on coastal control line definition. Generally, coastal control lines are identified through Run up equations proposed by Mase (1989). Applicability of Van der Meer equations (1998), usually employed for beach profile analysis, will be assessed here as an alternative to Mase equations. Three urban beaches on Genoa coast are considered: Voltri beach, Pegli beach and Vernazzola beach. The analysis takes into account sea and weather condition data collected during three major storm surges in the aforementioned littoral areas. Empirical data gathered in field surveys during storms were subsequently examined in order to analyze seaside area response. Collected data were compared with theoretical computations. Results show a greater significance of data obtained through the application of Van De Meer (1998) equation than Mase equation data (1989). In conclusion, Van De Meer (1998) equation could provide information about coastal control lines on urban gravel beaches. Such information would then be useful to locate high hazard areas and act accordingly.