Transformation of Rocky Shoreline into Stable, Sandy Beach

This beach creation project was challenging because of the steep underwater slope of the nearshore and the need to maintain an important drainage system. Our design included sand nourishment and three groynes to retain sand during normal and storm conditions and to protect an existing drain from becoming blocked by sediment. Because of the complicated seabed conditions, we built a physical model representing a miniature version of the entire project site. This helped us to finetune the design, which we then constructed. Smith Warner conducted the environmental impact assessment prior to construction and supervised the work. The construction included excavation of rocks, construction of a groyne in typical rough sea conditions, and procurement and delivery of imported beach sand directly to the site by barges.