Composite Beaches and Dynamic Revetments - Coastal Protection Inspired by Nature
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bath
Department Name: Chemical Engineering
Abstract
Climate change represents a significant issue for coastal protection, rising sea levels and more intense storms will lead to increased erosion of the coastline. At present it is predicted that 24% of coastlines are losing 0.5 m/yr (Luijendijk, et al., 2018). It is therefore vital that new protection approaches are designed, dynamic revetments could be part of that solution.
These are based on naturally occurring formations displayed by composite beaches. It comprises of a backshore ridge constructed from gravel or cobbles and a foreshore of sand. The backshore ridge is reshaped continuously under influences such as wave attack, however, the overall structure shows a good level of stability regardless. It is expected to result in erosion control for both the upper beach and hinterland as well as effective overtopping protection. This hypothesis is supported by both the DYNAREV experiment (Blenkinsopp, et al., 2019) and the few existing structures, such as that in North Cove, Washington.
At present there is a general lack of research into dynamic revetments, an area which needs development is the modelling of these revetments. Currently, the main tool is X-Beach software and its many variants. There are however issues with the existing models many of which relate to the inability to simulate sediment transport within the cobblestone layer accurately. This project primarily proposes to develop the x-beach model to more accurately simulate dynamic revetments and use this to answer questions related to the long-term viability and practicality of these structures.
Further, this will be supported with a second experiment which will be assisted with as part of the PhD. Currently, named DYNAREV 1.5 the proposed experiment will largely mimic the first experiment by physically modelling a dynamic revetment in a large wave flume. The main difference being the range of cobble sizes used. There will be a wealth of data which will need to be analysed as a result and later used as a data set for model calibration and validation.
Finally, through drawing on both the natural and artificial revetments it may be possible to understand how the structures will respond to climate change and rising seas. The produced model will be able to either support or detract from the current belief that these structures are largely resistant to such influences.
These are based on naturally occurring formations displayed by composite beaches. It comprises of a backshore ridge constructed from gravel or cobbles and a foreshore of sand. The backshore ridge is reshaped continuously under influences such as wave attack, however, the overall structure shows a good level of stability regardless. It is expected to result in erosion control for both the upper beach and hinterland as well as effective overtopping protection. This hypothesis is supported by both the DYNAREV experiment (Blenkinsopp, et al., 2019) and the few existing structures, such as that in North Cove, Washington.
At present there is a general lack of research into dynamic revetments, an area which needs development is the modelling of these revetments. Currently, the main tool is X-Beach software and its many variants. There are however issues with the existing models many of which relate to the inability to simulate sediment transport within the cobblestone layer accurately. This project primarily proposes to develop the x-beach model to more accurately simulate dynamic revetments and use this to answer questions related to the long-term viability and practicality of these structures.
Further, this will be supported with a second experiment which will be assisted with as part of the PhD. Currently, named DYNAREV 1.5 the proposed experiment will largely mimic the first experiment by physically modelling a dynamic revetment in a large wave flume. The main difference being the range of cobble sizes used. There will be a wealth of data which will need to be analysed as a result and later used as a data set for model calibration and validation.
Finally, through drawing on both the natural and artificial revetments it may be possible to understand how the structures will respond to climate change and rising seas. The produced model will be able to either support or detract from the current belief that these structures are largely resistant to such influences.
Planned Impact
We will deliver the Centre's impact aims in depth and breadth through the following objectives:
1) Ensuring that skilled recruits are available to industry to enhance the global competitiveness of UK plc thereby filling an industry-identified skills gap in appropriately trained water informatics professionals - Beneficiary: Industry;
2) Maximising the recruitment opportunities for graduates, by providing them with the professional and development skills needed to succeed - Beneficiary: Students;
3) Promote the work of the CDT to the widest possible audience so that the true value of the investment in the centre is realized - Beneficiary: Communities (both public and academic);
4) Create and develop the next generation of academics - Beneficiary: Academia / Students.
Economic and Societal Impact: Water professionals are faced with increasingly complex problems of ensuring sustainable use of water resources, given a rapidly expanding demand for energy and food from a growing population, and the dynamic nature of our world. Simultaneously we see an explosion in new data and in computational power, which allows us to build more and more complex models of our environment. Organisations such as Toshiba and IBM expect the Centre to support them in developing a 'real business opportunity' in Smart Utility systems. Partners such as the Environment Agency and MET Office feel that WISE will give them access to essential skills in long term planning and climate impact assessment. HR Wallingford and Wessex Water see the opportunity to maintain and enhance their global advantage in technology and catchment management expertise. The impact on the industrial sectors relevant to this Centre will be guided and supported by our Advisory Board. To facilitate wider impact we will also work through regional and national groups, networks, and Learned Societies.
We will undertake the following activities in support of our pathways to impact:
1) Bi-Annual WISE Mini-Conference: One day events to engage current Partners and additional end-users including the student cohort and established research projects.
2) Annual 'Hackathon': A sector specific one day event will be an opportunity for the students to focus on a real industry problem and provide solutions.
3) Short Film: To facilitate outreach, we will produce a short film to promote the awareness of the centre topic and the research of its students.
4) Case Studies: We will jointly develop a number of case studies for our website to showcase research and allow industry to understand how it can benefit from engagement with the Centre.
5) Third Party Events and Activities: Our student cohort and supervisors will work with existing and new networks to develop new relationships.
6) Public Engagement: The Centre will benefit from RCUK funded "Public Engagement with Research Catalyst" projects based at Exeter, Bath and Bristol. We will also engage with the British Science Association.
Impact on Knowledge Creation: The training approach has been designed to facilitate the transfer and dissemination of knowledge. From Year 2 onwards students will work in other institutions and/or with our industry partners for 3-6 months. We have agreement from our overseas and industrial partners to host placements. In terms of the wider academic and industrial sectors, students will be expected to attend and present at leading national and international conferences, and at our bi-annual mini-conferences.
Broader Impact on Postgraduate Students: The Centre has worked with partners to develop an environment that will provide training across a wide range of interdisciplinary topics. Bespoke skills-based workshops, novel approaches and strong relationships with partners are key features of this environment. Specifically our students will undertake modules within the University of Exeter Business School, which will give them the opportunity to explore challenges facing leaders in industry around the globe.
1) Ensuring that skilled recruits are available to industry to enhance the global competitiveness of UK plc thereby filling an industry-identified skills gap in appropriately trained water informatics professionals - Beneficiary: Industry;
2) Maximising the recruitment opportunities for graduates, by providing them with the professional and development skills needed to succeed - Beneficiary: Students;
3) Promote the work of the CDT to the widest possible audience so that the true value of the investment in the centre is realized - Beneficiary: Communities (both public and academic);
4) Create and develop the next generation of academics - Beneficiary: Academia / Students.
Economic and Societal Impact: Water professionals are faced with increasingly complex problems of ensuring sustainable use of water resources, given a rapidly expanding demand for energy and food from a growing population, and the dynamic nature of our world. Simultaneously we see an explosion in new data and in computational power, which allows us to build more and more complex models of our environment. Organisations such as Toshiba and IBM expect the Centre to support them in developing a 'real business opportunity' in Smart Utility systems. Partners such as the Environment Agency and MET Office feel that WISE will give them access to essential skills in long term planning and climate impact assessment. HR Wallingford and Wessex Water see the opportunity to maintain and enhance their global advantage in technology and catchment management expertise. The impact on the industrial sectors relevant to this Centre will be guided and supported by our Advisory Board. To facilitate wider impact we will also work through regional and national groups, networks, and Learned Societies.
We will undertake the following activities in support of our pathways to impact:
1) Bi-Annual WISE Mini-Conference: One day events to engage current Partners and additional end-users including the student cohort and established research projects.
2) Annual 'Hackathon': A sector specific one day event will be an opportunity for the students to focus on a real industry problem and provide solutions.
3) Short Film: To facilitate outreach, we will produce a short film to promote the awareness of the centre topic and the research of its students.
4) Case Studies: We will jointly develop a number of case studies for our website to showcase research and allow industry to understand how it can benefit from engagement with the Centre.
5) Third Party Events and Activities: Our student cohort and supervisors will work with existing and new networks to develop new relationships.
6) Public Engagement: The Centre will benefit from RCUK funded "Public Engagement with Research Catalyst" projects based at Exeter, Bath and Bristol. We will also engage with the British Science Association.
Impact on Knowledge Creation: The training approach has been designed to facilitate the transfer and dissemination of knowledge. From Year 2 onwards students will work in other institutions and/or with our industry partners for 3-6 months. We have agreement from our overseas and industrial partners to host placements. In terms of the wider academic and industrial sectors, students will be expected to attend and present at leading national and international conferences, and at our bi-annual mini-conferences.
Broader Impact on Postgraduate Students: The Centre has worked with partners to develop an environment that will provide training across a wide range of interdisciplinary topics. Bespoke skills-based workshops, novel approaches and strong relationships with partners are key features of this environment. Specifically our students will undertake modules within the University of Exeter Business School, which will give them the opportunity to explore challenges facing leaders in industry around the globe.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Thomas Arnot (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Oliver FOSS (Student) |