Classical, Innovative and Unconventional Coastline Protection Methods

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to give a state of the art overview of a number of recent developments in structures for shoreline protection. In other presentations the need of coastal protection structures is discussed, as well as solutions including "soft" technology like beach nourishment. See the papers of Dean and Pope.Regarding loose armour new developments can be reported on the stability of rock in shallow water conditions. This topic will be elaborated in more detail in the presentation of Van Gent.In case the required rock size becomes too large, usually concrete elements will be used. Many elements exist, a recent PIANC working group has identified 217 different elements, but most of them are applied only seldom. Recent developments in concrete elements are the Core-Loc (developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers) and the Xbloc (developed by Delta Marine Consultants in the Netherlands). Both blocks have specific advantages in making a stable slope protection; the drawback of such blocks is the complicated shape, which makes them more costly.