Coastal structures

Coastal structures


Groynes, breakwaters, seawalls and other coastal structures represent extensive investments. They must be designed and constructed to withstand often very harsh environmental conditions. Experience is a key component when designing and planning coastal structures. But it can be taken a step further. The traditional use of physical model tests for evaluating a design or layout is the most efficient method to verify that requirements can be reached.

Selecting the right size of armour stones for a breakwater can have a significant financial impact on a project. Stones on the smaller side and the risk of damage may exceed what is acceptable while stones on the larger side make costs escalate. Model tests are an ideal way to select the right size, where there is a right balance between risk and cost.

Coastal structures such as cooling water outlets may also have an impact on the environment by affecting the ambient temperature of the water. The implications of pumping out heated cooling water can be mapped and assessed using computational fluid models, which also are used to optimise the internal flow, operation of pumps and other flow components.
At DHI we work closely with the client to ensure that the final designs and layouts provide the best solutions and match the requirements. 

Want to know more ?

Flemming Schlütter

fls@dhigroup.com

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