Influence of coastal structures on equilibrium beach

Abstract

An equilibrium beach profile model for a beach affected by a coastal structure is presented. The model is based on the well-known energy flux approach proposed by Dean (1977). The effect of the structure is taken into account by considering the modification that the structure generates on the wave energy flux. The model is then applied to several cases that are usually found along the littoral, namely a perched beach and a reefprotected beach. Several field and laboratory data are used to analyze the merit of the proposed model for describing the equilibrium condition of a beach profile affected by a coastal structure. A good comparison is obtained.