COASTAL PROTECTION BY A STEPPED CONCRETE REVETMENT IN THAILAND

Abstract

Protecting an eroding coastline is necessary. This study presents how Thailand is undertaking a revetment project by using the Pra-Ae beach as an excellent example where the stepped concrete revetment was successfully implemented and fundamental coastal engineering data was gathered. Public involvement and a surveys involving homes and homeowners of beachside properties were conducted and it provided indispensable recommendations from the revetment project’s stakeholders. Existing environmental conditions covering various parameters were assessed. The stepped concrete revetment was carefully designed to protect the coast while promoting the destination and revetment as a good getaway, and relaxation spot in a bid to enhance tourism. As the result, the authors were able to study the design of every revetment component. The parapet elevation was +4.2 m from the mean sea level and designed to be a sitting place for tourists to watch sunset. The overtopping discharge was 0.138 cu.m./s/m. The revetment crest was designed for secondary utilisation in activities such as walking and cycling. In this manner, the stepped concrete revetment at the Pra-Ae beach successfully prevents the erosion of the beach and coastline and promotes tourism. This case study affirms the fact that, when carefully and accurately designed, the revetment will not only protect the beach, but also promote local communitywell-being. The belief that the revetment would do more harm than good to the environment and the community is evidemtly not true.