Geometrical Mangrove Models: Quantifying frontal surface area distribution for Avicennia marina vegetation: an important parameter for estimating wave attenuation

To estimate wave attenuation by mangrove forests, trees are often schematized as uniform cylinders (over the height) representing a tree’s stem. However, trees have more complex geometrical features that influence the interaction between waves and tree structures. Recent studies have shown that the frontal surface area distribution over the...

An experimental study on the drag and inertia forces due to mussel growth on vertical poles exposed to waves

Mangroves trap sediment and are the first coastal defence line for many coastal areas. Unfortunately, mangrove coasts worldwide are eroding due to deforestation, exposing local communities to flood hazards. In Demak, Indonesia, a Building with Nature approach was chosen to counteract erosion. Permeable dams were built on the foreshore to...

Wave transformation through permeable structures in Demak, Indonesia: A design study with the numerical model SWASH

The coastline of Demak, Indonesia has been eroded during the last 15 years. To restore the natural coastal protection which existed out of mangroves forest, permeable dams, consisting of bamboo poles with a brushwood filling, have been built to attenuate the waves and facilitate sedimentation behind the dams and thus creating a habitat for...

Effectiveness of Mangroves in Flood Risk Reduction

The risk of flood risk is increasing with global trends such as rising sea levels, land subsidence, increasing populations in coastal areas and economic growth. Traditional solutions to reduce flood risk are a levee or a dam; however, the research on hydraulic engineering is increasingly promoting nature-based solutions for flood protection....

Modelling of hydrodynamic and erosion processes at vegetated lake shores: Development of a process-based tool for the design of the protection of a lake shore with reed-like vegetation

In recent years, the interest in integrating shore protection with the local ecosystems has increased. In comparison with the traditional reinforced embankments, integrated shores form a gradual transition from land to water where shore vegetation can establish itself. These nature-friendly shores have a positive impact upon the water quality,...

Wave dissipation in a permeable structure: Experimental research on the physical processes causing energy dissipation inside an array of cylinders

Mangrove forests, which serve as a natural sea defence, have been degraded by human action during the last decades. To protect and recover these areas, different types of permeable structures consisting of bamboo have been proposed and applied. However, these structures are currently based on engineering judgement, as design rules are not...

Wave Flume Experiments on Permeable Structures: The effect of arrays of cylinders on wave reflection, dissipation and transmission

Due to the removal of mangrove forests, coastal zones can suffer from severe erosion. One of the proposed solutions is the construction of permeable structures. This study aims to optimise the design of permeable (brushwood) structures in order to restore the sediment balance and encourage mangrove re-establishment on tropical mud coasts....