Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 4.31
Physical modelling
being undertaken to inform
coastal protection works in
Borth, UK, comprising beach
renourishment, offshore
breakwaters and submerged
breakwaters.
© Mick Newman (of Royal
HaskoningDHV)
especially since 1970 (Chou et al.
1983
). Such modelling can be used to study
the effects of integrated processes (waves, tides and currents) on nearshore sedi-
ment flow, and the ways in which these processes and responses will be modified
by the introduction of structures such as groynes or by beach renourishment. It is
important to be sure that the information used is accurate and comprehensive, and
to test predictions against what actually happens, in order to refine the model and
improve subsequent forecasts.
Numerical modelling is useful as a means of exploring process-response rela-
tionships, but as coastal systems are complex and predictions can prove unre-
liable. Monitoring of coastal changes is needed to check predictions and obtain
further data for refinement of models. Numerical models can also be used to assess
impacts and implications, and interpret field data.
It is necessary to consider the capabilities and limitations of each model.
Numerical models are sensitive to morphological as well as input (forcing) param-
eters and so must be calibrated against measured data (Hamm et al. 2002). When
