4. Coastal Erosion and Protection Measures Including Case Studies
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Fig. 4.11 Classification geosynthetic products.
• Loading case (orientation of the contact surfaces/flow direction).
• Type and method of construction of the structure, where necessary.
• Structure-related safety requirements posed on the filter and
• Installation loads.
A comprehensive discussion on the characteristics of geosynthetics
and its application in the marine environment are discussed in detail by
Pilarczyk [2000].
Artificial reefs
Reefs are naturally formed bars of rock, sand or corals underneath the océan
water surface. Coral reefs are often known as the rainforests of the sea. Reef
formation can be a resuit of either biotic or abiotic processes.
Artificial reefs are manmade underwater obstructions that are submerged below the sea surface. These obstructions are like any natural ones
acting as buffers in diffracting the incident wave energy, offer friction, thus
leading to wave atténuation. The degree of atténuation of incident wave
energy dépends on the shape, size and material of the artificial reefs. The
artificial reefs are also expected to enhance recreational benefits like diving,