Module overview
This module will introduce you to the range of skills needed in the determination of design requirements and conditions, planning, and the design of coastal structures. These skills comprise the determination of wave conditions, the determination and analysis of the effect of waves, tides and currents on coastal structures, the design of new coastal structures, the evaluation of existing structures and the design for tsunami events.
The module introduces state-of-the-art concepts and techniques used in the evaluation of environmental loadings on coastal structures and their design as well as characteristics of tsunami waves and their effects on coastal structures, examining the approaches used in the UK and elsewhere. The course will comprise a combination of lectures and a design study.
Students should be aware that this module requires knowledge of mathematics extending to integration, differentiation and first and second order differential equations.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Accuracy of problem analysis and problem solving
- Analyse existing data and apply in a design exercise
- Effective communication
- Specify design requirements for structures exposed to tsunami waves
- Problem analysis and problem solving
- Numeracy and modelling
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Perform simple hydraulic modelling of waves
- Carry out wave and tide prediction calculations
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Perform economic and hydraulic calculations
- Select suitable coastal defence structures
- Assemble knowledge on wave conditions and wave effects on coastal structures
- Demonstrate through a design exercise a coherent understanding of techniques
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Wave effects on coastal structures (loadings, overtopping, scouring)
- Characteristics of, and design for tsunami events
- Function and design of coastal structures
- Wave generation, wave and tidal theory
Syllabus
INTRODUCTION TO COASTAL ENGINEERING
Overview over coastal engineering, coastal structures, waves and tides, wave effects, current ‘state-of- the-art’,
WAVES AND TIDES
Wave generation, tides, linear wave theory, introduction to advanced theories, wave refraction and diffraction, wave breaking, breaker types.
COASTAL STRUCTURES
Types of coastal structures, areas of application, comparative analysis of structures, protection elements, rubble mound structures, earth structures.
WAVE LOADINGS AND WAVE EFFECTS ON COASTAL STRUCTURES
Reflected wave loads on vertical walls, breaking wave loads, wave impact pressure propagation into structures, broken wave loadings, downfall pressures, armour stability, overtopping (pulsating and impulsive using the Eurotop manual), wave recurve design, scouring, sediment transport.
TSUNAMI ENGINEERING
Tsunami generation, design wave heights, propagation velocity in the sea / on land, tsunami induced loadings, flooding, tsunami protection structures, early warning systems.
DESIGN EXERCISE
The existing Victorian breakwater on the Island of Alderney (Channel islands) is a blockwork structure which suffers recurrent damages. It will need to be replaced in the near future. In this design exercise, the outline design for a replacement will be developed based on an assessment of wave conditions, design requirements (harbour area and harbour wave conditions) and a diffraction analysis of the harbour basin.
FIELD VISITS and GUEST LECTURES
A field visit will be included, and engineers, planners and managers may give occasional guest lectures explaining current thinking and methodology in Coastal Engineering
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module consists of a series of lectures, a Design Exercise and lectures from visiting professionals. Additional contact hours are offered to discuss the design exercise as well as contact hours to discuss details of the lecture material and exercise examples.
Visiting Lectures - Details to be confirmed.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 100 |
| Tutorial | 8 |
| Project supervision | 2 |
| Completion of assessment task | 4 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
EurOtop (2018) Manual on wave overtopping of sea defences and related structures.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Repeat year method - External repeat as per referral method.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Assessment | 60% |
| Continuous Assessment | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External