Control of flow conditions by means of solid and permeable groins

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to be able to shape man-made coastal protection structures to blend within and support a sustainable ecosystem. To satisfy certain quantitative healthy criteria, we control local flow characteristics using engineering solutions via numerical modelling approach. Several types of coastal structures including solid and permeable breakwaters have been studied. The use of permeable breakwater leads to certain advantages: at the lee side, a gentle reduction in downstream current magnitude results in a vorticity reduction; permeable structures are subjected to smaller hydrodynamic force than the solid structures; permeable structures could be built from nature materials and are therefore more environmentally friendly.