Coastal Erosion Solutions

Coastal erosion is a constant battle for shore communities and oceanfront developers. Wind, waves and sea level rise erodes coastlines and threatens the survivability of beachfront properties.

There are many solutions for coastal erosion. Some coastal protection systems are artificial and manmade while others focus on strengthening the natural beach environment.

Two Types of Coastal Erosion Solutions

Most coastal erosion solutions fall under one of two categories: hard armor and soft armor.

Hard armor structures are physical man-made structures that protect the coast.

Soft armor solutions, on the other hand, are more closely aligned with nature.

Both coastal erosion solutions have several advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to weigh those options and how it will affect your coastline. What works for a shore town in New Jersey might not work for a North Carolina beach. That’s why experts recommend picking a coastal protection armor that is site-specific to the natural needs of your beach.

Hard Amor Coastal Protection

Hard armor systems protect the coast from erosion. These artificial structures are the traditional coastal erosion solution. In fact, hard armor has been in use since the Romans constructed a sea wall to protect their harbor.

Hard armor structures are designed to:

1. Protect upland property

2. Trap and retain sand

The following are examples of hard armor coastal protection systems:

  • Seawalls
  • Breakwaters
  • Retaining walls

Seawalls

Seawalls are one of the oldest hard coastal protection structures. These man-made walls deflect wave energy in order to protect coastal property.

Seawall at Charleston Battery

Advantages

Seawalls are popular because of their longevity and strength. These solid structures are typically made of concrete which means they can withstand a lot of wave energy.

Seawalls are often topped with a walkway or boardwalk so they also double as a sight-seeing locale.

The Charleston Battery, for example, is one of the most popular destinations in Charleston, South Carolina. The Battery was built in 1909 to protect the city from high tides and strong waves. Today, the Battery protects this low-area of the peninsula while also offering some of the best views in the city.

Disadvantages

Seawalls are expensive to construct and require extensive permitting. Years of exposure to wind, waves and salt water can potentially lead to scouring, cracking and deterioration. Charleston’s seawall is recently underwent repairs in order to correct these issues.

Seawalls might protect upland property but they also often cause erosion of adjacent beaches.

Lastly, seawalls are artificial structures which means they take the place of a natural coastal habitat. Many studies have been published that indicate natural solutions like living shorelines are more successful coastal protection systems.

Breakwaters

Breakwaters are stone structures that protect the coast and harbors from wave erosion. These revetment systems stand in the water. Breakwaters can be parallel or perpendicular to the shoreline.

Advantages

Breakwaters that are parallel to the shore are often found in the water outside of small harbors and beaches. They protect these vulnerable environments from erosive wave energy.  

Perpendicular breakwaters also protect harbors and beaches from waves. These breakwaters are typically attached to land and deflect incoming waves. They naturally trap sand as wind and waves push the sediment into the rock structure.

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science has a Breakwater Database that catalogs the Chesapeake Bay’s breakwater structures. You can find that database and the resulting case studies here.

Disadvantages

Perpendicular breakwaters can result in adjacent beach erosion just like the seawall. When sand accumulates in the rock structure, coastal erosion often occurs on the other side of the breakwater.

Additionally, breakwaters can be expensive and time consuming to construct. If not built properly, a major storm can weaken the structure resulting in costly repairs.

Geotextiles for Breakwater Construction

Incorporating geotextiles fabric into breakwater design results in a more stable and dependable hard armor structure. Geotextile fabrics stabilize the breakwater was through mechanical and hydraulic properties that improve the hard armor system’s structure.

On the Poplar Island Expansion project, for example, high strength woven geotextiles act as a mattress for the breakwater. The woven geotextile fabric absorbs the load of the rip rap stone and stabilizes the structure that rests on soft sand. The strength of the fabric prevents shifting that would compromise the foundation.

Poplar Island Lateral Expansion

Woven geotextiles also allow water to flow through its tiny pores which protects the system from hydrostatic pressure. Geotextile fabrics specified for use on breakwater systems have a specific Apparent Opening Size (AOS). The AOS determines the size of the fine that would be able to pass through the opening.  Ideally, some fines to pass should pass through the geotextile fabric but too many particles could compromise the fabric’s function.

Learn more about the geotextiles at Poplar Island

Soft Armor Coastal Protection

Many developers, engineers and governing agencies are implementing soft armor coastal erosion solutions because they are not as invasive as the hard armor alternatives. Soft armor controls erosion by mimicking and strengthening the natural coastline.

This coastal protection strategy does not incorporate conventional materials like stone and concrete. Instead, soft armor utilizes natural solutions that improve vegetation, create natural wildlife habitats and control wave energy. 

Sand Bags

Sand bags are a very common coastal erosion solution. Stack them along the coastline to protect property from crashing waves and sea level water rise.

Sand Bag barrier

Advantages

Sand bags are typically an inexpensive and accessible coastal erosion solution. They are manufactured in many colors but most coastal communities favor white or beige because it is more natural.

Disadvantages

Although natural in appearance, sand bags are still a synthetic material. Sand bags are typically filled on location and require man power to stack them into place. If the sand bag is punctured, its strength will be severely compromised.

Geotubes

Geotubes are high strength sandbags made from geotextile fabric. Various geotextiles are used to manufacture geotubes. The fabric chosen dictates the strength and porosity of the coastal erosion solution. Geotubes are filled with a variety of infill material, stacked in place, and covered with sand and vegetation.

Advantages

Geotubes provide structure and stability on the shoreline. They increase the surface strength of the sand and dissipate wave energy. Geotubes can be planted with native plants which strengthens the coastline and creates a more natural environment.

Disadvantages

Even when geotubes are covered and vegetated, it is possible that they will be re-exposed over time or after a storm. Although this does not necessarily compromise the function of the product, it is less appealing for coastal communities that desire a natural shoreline. It is important to note that geotubes require equipment to be filled and placed, while sand bags can be filled and placed by hand. 

Dune Stabilization

Dunes are the most natural line of defense against coastal erosion. That is why many communities prohibit trespassing on dunes and have laws that prohibit deconstructing beach dunes.

Although naturally occurring, dunes can be strengthened with careful management. Install Sand Fence to control wind erosion and fortify the natural soft structure. Stabilize dunes by planting native species that would naturally exist in the coastal habitat.

Always consult local laws and officials before undertaking any action with beach dunes, even if the dune naturally exists on your property.

Sand fence for coastal protection on beachfront homes

Advantages

Sand Fence is a thin wood slat fence connected by wire. It is not as intrusive as a seawall or bulkhead and is much easier to install. Sand Fence works with wind and waves rather than against them. Wind carries sand and deposits it at the base of the fence. Sand can still blow through the slats but the fence decreases the wind’s strength. As a result, the dune grows in size. When large enough, dunes can protect property from waves and storm surge.

Vegetation is the most natural form of erosion control so dune plantings further strengthen a fortified dune.

Disadvantages

Even a reinforced dune can be destroyed when storm surge is strong enough. Additionally, years of wind can bury sand fence which means you might need to install a new line of fence.

More Coastal Erosion Solutions

The examples we’ve outlined for you are just a sampling of coastal erosion solutions. Other solutions include bulkheads, jetties, groins, sand replenishment, salt marshes and oyster beds. If your community is battling coastal erosion the most important thing is to choose a solution that works for you.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you fight coastal erosion on your beach. 

Our Coastal Erosion Experience

We work with engineers, contractors and homeowners that are in need of coastal protection solutions. Learn more about the products and designs that supported these coastal resiliency projects.

Ohio Creek Resilience Park plans

The Ohio Creek Watershed Project

Newport News, Virginia

Environmental resiliency in at-risk communities

River front home with GEOWEB retaining wall

Riverfront Homeowner

Heathsville, Virginia

Geocell retaining wall for eroded property

Aerial view of Poplar Island dike construction

Poplar Island Lateral Expansion

Talbot County, Maryland

Restored Chesapeake Bay island