(2) larger areas or entire estuarine areas. Moreover, erosion control measures should consider the environment
energy level, distinguishing between low-energy areas
and ocean-facing beaches, the latter being higherenergy systems. This distinction is useful for focusing on
the best erosion control project, which is strongly site
specific. Coastal erosion control methods can be mainly
classified as structural and nonstructural measures. Structural measures can then be further classified as “hard” and
“soft” alternatives. Structural measures involve permanent
concrete, rock, or wooden engineering structures, since
nonstructural measures generally refer to best management practices or to actions not involving man-made
structures.
The main hard erosion control measures are:
• Breakwaters
• Revetments, seawalls, and bulkheads
• Groins
These structures are designed to protect the areas
behind them by “fixing” the shoreline or by modifying
the flow-field circulation by “trapping” sediment.
The main soft erosion control measures are:
• Nourishment
• Rip-rap, gabions, and paved-lining revetments
• Marsh sills
• Planting vegetation
Coastal Erosion Control, Figure 1 Numerical results of hydrodynamic coastal field at Scalea beach, Italy.
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