Sustainable beach design for Raf Raf, Tunisia

Abstract

The beach at Raf Raf, Tunisia, has a high recreational use. Continuous erosion due to gradients in the littoral drift combined with urban developments placed close to the beach has reduced the beach width. In order to re-establish the wide beach, an extensive modelling study has been conducted by DHI by use of the new MIKE21 Shoreline Morphology FM model. The numerical study was used to investigate possible mitigation scenarios, which included beach nourishment and different types of stabilising structures. Finally an optimisation of the sand placement was undertaken in order to reduce costs of nourishment. The criteria for selecting the final mitigation scenario were largely based on longevity of the solution thus reducing the need for continuous maintenance. The new shoreline model proved to be a valuable tool for comparing different mitigation scenarios in a systematic manner. Based on the model results it was possible to select a mitigation scenario which best satisfies the Client's needs. The implementation of the new beach design is expected to be finished in 2016.