Extending the Coastline

Abstract

This thesis shows two methods of Extending the Coastline, namely Manmade Islands and Manmade Peninsulas. It explains the importance of coastline in urban development and for human beings. Previous practices of coastal extension in different parts of the world and related literature are studied. The thesis investigates the social, economic and environmental effects of manmade island and peninsula construction on marginal and leading edge coasts. Then the thesis sets forward guidelines that increase feasibility and decrease failure mechanisms of such coastal structures. The results are revealed, and the conclusion that Coastal Extension via Manmade Islands and Peninsulas lead to a significant improvement on the coastal zone are discussed. This thesis introduces the subject of Extension of Coastline and outlines two major coastal extension types: Manmade Island and Manmade Peninsulas. The thesis aims to review the related literature and previous practices regarding the coastal extension. Then the thesis inductively comes up with guidelines which increase the feasibility, sustainability and decrease failure mechanisms of such coastal structures. The method adopted consists of literature review in the subject, case studies of economic, social and environmental, functional and engineering aspects. Then the thesis sets forward guidelines that increase feasibility and decrease failure mechanisms for implementation of such projects in the future. In design critical factors such as profile, slope, height, and width were defined and their interconnections were outlined. These parameters were further investigated with reference to the literature. Then planning and economic guidelines were introduced for successful implementation of the project. Today, the world is facing a rapid increase in human population. Moreover the majority of the cities in the world are situated in coastal zones. In facing all these problems, one possible solution is Extension of Coastline by Manmade Islands and Peninsulas. In order to find out an answer to the research question “Is extension of coastline by manmade islands and peninsulas feasible in different parts of the world?” the following effort is implemented. (1) Literature is reviewed regarding coastal extension, including coastal engineering, soil mechanics, different types of coastal zones, failure mechanisms of earth structures, hydraulic structures, previous examples of coastal extension, uncertainties in the coastal design and climate change. (2) Engineering, economical, social, functional and environmental aspects of coastalextension by manmade islands and peninsulas are investigated. (3) After the pros and cons of the manmade islands and peninsulas are clearly understood, the focus shifts to the design and guidelines in building these structures. Methods minimize the disadvantages and maximize the advantage are analyzed and proposed. (4) Findings are further analyzed and concluded. The findings mentioned and parameters introduced are powerful tools for the overall assessment regarding the applicability of the project. Additionally, this thesis is a starting point for researchers who would like to further investigate the topic in the future.