Beach Front Erosion
Beach front erosion is a common problem with waterfront properties. Lakes, rivers, harbors and other semi enclosed bodies of water typically are faced with the problem generated by the surfaces wearing away due to the endless effects of the waves. During moderate conditions the erosion due to waves is minimal. More violent storms generate larger waves and a greater risk of beach front damage and loss.
Ocean front properties are exposed to the greater hazard of the long period swells. These swells were originally generated as waves at some great distance away (possibly across some ocean or at least near a distant shore. The long period waves do not respond to the more common methods of wave mitigation such as floating breakwaters, etc. They need the barrier islands offshore to protect the beach from eroding away. In some cases, the barrier islands have been damaged by severe storms or even destroyed. To try to mitigate the effect of this degradation and to eventually restore beach front protection, artificial reefs may be provided.
Wavebraakker™ offers a solution to this persistent problem. Sections of the standard floating system are perforated to allow them to free flood and sink to the sea floor. The stainless steel end connection pieces and the intermediate configuration control plates provide additional weight to overcome the natural buoyancy of the polyethylene material of the modules. The sections are strategically positioned on the bottom and held in position with screw type anchors and short sections of chain. Wire rope may be substituted for rope for stringing the modules together into the sections. As mentioned previously, the holes in the ears of the modules have stainless steel sleeve inserts so they can readily accept the wire rope.
These submerged Wavebraakker™ sections function as artificial reefs and form the nucleus of new barrier islands. They slow the wave or swell action, facilitate the precipation and accumulation of any suspended sediments dropped out of the seas and in turn combat the erosion effects.
Ideal locations for these artificial reefs would be the beach front areas previously ravaged by storms, hurricanes, etc.