Abstract
Coastal structures, such as revetments, are built to protect specific areas and facilities from the attack of extreme waves. However, unexpected environmental damage could be induced from these structures when inappropriately applied. Here, we present the results of measurements carried out using a video monitoring system, indicating the rapid collapse of a coastal revetment due to the attack of storm waves. The destruction occurred in sequence; that is, it was initiated by human activities, followed by a natural disaster. First, the beach in front of the revetment was eroded, even under moderate wave conditions, because sediments transported into this area were blocked by a rip-rap jetty. After the beach width was severely reduced due to the erosion, the revetment collapsed when storm waves attacked the area. The destruction seems accidental and inevitable because it was directly caused by the storm. However, it could have been avoided by predicting and preventing the erosion due to the jetty. This study provides insights into sequential processes that lead to the failure of coastal revetments, which could be applied for prevention of similar anthropogenic disasters.
Highlights
The Hanul Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and a cape connected to the Jukbyeon Port are located at the northern and southern ends of the beach, respectively
Before the Hanul NPP was constructed in the 1980s, the beach consisted of a littoral cell including the input of sediments from a river north of the beach, which was balanced by the sediment output through the cape
Study,we wepresented presentedobservations observations a sequential process indicating the colIn this of of a sequential process indicating the collapse lapse of a coastal revetment constructed along a beach bank to protect facilities at the
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Coastal erosion affects the sustainability of coastal communities, structures, and ecosystems [1]. Sand particles can be transported by waves and currents, which lead to the erosion of sandy beaches [2]. The shape of a beach is not fixed, but it dynamically changes in response to environmental conditions that produce sediment transport in the cross- and/or longshore directions [3,4]. In general, the natural movement of sediment within a littoral cell does not cause serious erosion [5]. A beach shoreline can significantly retreat when severe storm waves attack the coast [6]
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