Highlighted Xbeach projects and models

Hurricane Sandy

This video shows the simulation of the impact of Hurricane Sandy (October 2012) on the area of Camp Osborne, Brick, NJ, with a 2DH XBeach model. According to XBeach simulations the condo resulted in 32% additional erosion at adjacent location.



Wat is new?

In this study the sandy coast with hard structures, such as buildings or dune revetments, is addressed. These structures can either provide additional protection or enhance erosion. Field measurements and experimental data featuring these phenomena are scarce, but the measurements of the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy (October 2012) on the New Jersey shore provide new model validation possibilities. Hard structures in the barrier have three effects: 1) The main effect of a structure is the impact on the sand balance (both cross-shore and longshore), by cutting of (part) of the supply of sediment. 2) In cross-shore direction a structure may result in the development of scour at the toe as a result of higher energetic conditions at the toe. However, in the post-Sandy bathymetry at the (buried) seawall at Bay Head, NJ, no scour holes were found. XBeach simulations have reproduced these profiles and suggests this is the result of infilling of scour after the peak of Sandy. 3) In longshore direction a hard element will result in the extra erosion at the sides of the structure as a result of exchange of sediment and locally higher short waves. XBeach simulations have shown that the presence of a condo at Camp Osborne, NJ, during Sandy resulted in 32% additional erosion in adjacent locations However, these effects are no reason to state on forehand that multifunctional use of the barrier is not possible. Its applicability needs to be addressed case-by-case.

 

For more information one is referred to https://repository.tudelft.nl/islandora/object/uuid:eb1afb0d-ef20-483c-b07e-35a64f96677d?collection=research

Showcases

Read more >
Read more >