Abstract
Artificial reefs have proven to be an optimal and effective solution in stabilizing coastlines around the world. They are submerged structures that imitate the protection service provided by natural reefs accomplishing the functions of dissipating wave energy and protecting beach morphology, but also being an ecological solution. In this paper, 2D small-scale experiments were performed to analyze the hydrodynamic, morphological, and ecological behavior of an artificial reef constructed of modular elements. Two typical beach-dune profiles were constructed in a wave flume over which two locations of an artificial reef were tested. From these tests, transmission coefficients were obtained as well as the beach profile response to the presence of the artificial reef. These results are used to discuss about the hydrodynamic, morphological, and ecological performance of the artificial reef. The proposed artificial reef showed good morphological performance while its hydrodynamic function had limited success. In turn, the ecologic performance was theoretically addressed.
Highlights
Artificial reefs have proven to be an optimal and effective solution in stabilizing coastlines around the world
The results indicate that the artificial reef located farther from the coast, produced a dissipative dynamic profile with a submerged bar
When it is sought to dissipate energy and retain sediment, in order to create sand bars and salients, the crown of the breakwater must be at SLW and it must be placed near the coastline. This use would not be an ecological solution, allowing colonization of benthic species, since wave breaking causes the sediment suspension and, in excess, this is unfavorable for some species, such as corals
Summary
Artificial reefs have proven to be an optimal and effective solution in stabilizing coastlines around the world They are submerged structures that imitate the protection service provided by natural reefs accomplishing the functions of dissipating wave energy and protecting beach morphology, and being an ecological solution. Regardless of its origin, coastal erosion must be addressed, since the consequences of narrowing the coastal strip are dire for the physical, environmental, and social ambits [4] In this sense, coastal protection is transforming into a more complex and complete practice, in which engineers are asked to offer solutions that are, at least, friendly with the natural, economic, and social elements in the particular region of interest. An example of one of these solutions is the use of artificial coral reefs, i.e., submerged structures placed on the substratum (seabed) deliberately, to mimic some characteristics of a natural reef [5]
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