Toe structures for coastal defences - a management guide
A manual describing best practice in the assessment, management and design of the toe of coastal defence structures.
Documents
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Details
Background
Scour can lead to partial damage or even complete failure of coastal structures, in extreme cases. Scour at the toe of structures is the most common and serious form of damage to seawalls in the UK.
Outcomes
This manual describes best practice in the assessment, management and design of the toe of coastal defence structures. It covers key issues such as the monitoring of beach levels and structure condition, and trigger points for action during the life of the asset.
The appendices detail:
- the scour processes that control beach levels
- how to predict scour
- how to assess the lowering of beaches at the toe of coastal defence structures
A further appendix contains 19 case studies from around the UK, which illustrate different management approaches and the lessons learned.
Future benefits
The manual will be useful for:
- Environment Agency staff
- civil engineers and consultants who give advice to local authorities
- other organisations and owners of coastal frontages who want to improve their management of toe structures
This project ran from 2007 to 2012.