Coastal Engineering

Central to this B-module are coastal engineering problems and interventions and specifically the assessment of the impact of these interventions and their technical design. Impact assessment and design require advanced system knowledge and proper application of tools. These three elements in connection (interventions, knowledge and tools) are the basis of this B-module. Ethical issues and the role of the engineer will be addressed in the model assignments, which are – part of the second two units described below, by addressing conflicting perspectives of various vocal and non-vocal stakeholders.

The module consists of three units of equal weights, which run in parallel (with especially strong connections between the first and second units):

1. Advanced Coastal and Estuarine Systems

2. Coastal and Estuarine Modelling

3. Shore protection en Breakwaters

Advanced Coastal and Estuarine Systems treats, in-depth, coastal and estuarine processes and system behaviour (a.o. waves, tides, currents, coarse and fine sediment transport, morphodynamic change) and response to interventions (a.o. storm surge barriers, groynes, dredging and nourishments). A wide range of coastal systems is considered: deltas, estuaries, beaches and dunes, tidal plains, barrier and lagoon coasts. Not only the physical principles but also their complex interplay in the built and natural environment is discussed. This process knowledge is linked to coastal engineering problems and interventions.

Coastal and Estuarine Modelling combines knowledge on prediction, modelling and monitoring concepts with a hands-on approach. Students apply various state-of-the art models in order to solve complex coastal engineering problems taking into account its uncertainties. Students (functionally) design and evaluate coastal engineering interventions related to amongst others coastal safety or sediment management. Students collaborate in the group assignment.

Shore protection en Breakwaters treats the mechanisms of (in)stability of protection layers under wave loads. Aspects needed for practical implementation of these protection layers are introduced, like construction, environment, uncertainty, maintenance, boundary conditions, and modelling techniques. The technical design of all parts of a breakwater cross-section is treated in-depth.