Types of Approaches

Hard Engineering
Measures.

1) Hard engineering approach (structural approach):

- The construction of physical structures to defend against
erosive power of waves.
2) Soft engineering approach (non-structural approach):
- Focuses on planning and management so that both
coastal areas and properties will not be damaged by
erosion.
- Aims at changing individual behavior or attitudes toward
coastal protection by encouraging minimal human
interference.
a) Seawalls built along the coast to absorb the energy of
waves before they can cause erosion. However, they cannot
prevent the backwash of the refracted waves from washing
away beach materials beneath the wall.
b) Breakwaters It can be built with one end attached to the
coast or away from the coast. Break the force of high energy
waves before they reach the shore. It will not receive new
supplies of materials and it will get eroded.
c) Groynes They are built at right angles to the shore to
prevent longshore drift. Absorb/reduce the energy of waves
and cause materials to be deposited on the side of the
groyne facing the longshore drift.

Soft Engineering
Measures

d) Gabions The are wired cages filled with crush rocks. Piled
up along the shore to prevent or reduce coastal erosion by
weakening wave energy. Short-term protection (5-10 years)
a) Beach Nourishment Constant replenishment of large
quantities of sand to the beach system. Extended seawards,
which leads to the improvement of beach quality and storm
protection. Costly to transport large quantities of sand to fill
up the beach and sufficient sand is needed.
b) Relocation of properties No building of properties are
allowed in coastal areas vulnerable to coastal erosion. East
coast of England has a green line policy that discourage
building located beyond it.
c) Planting of mangroves Mangroves with their prop roots
help trap sediments and reduce coastal erosion. As
mangrove communities grow seawards, they extend the
coastal land seawards.
d) Stabilizing Dunes Access points to the beach should be
controlled and designated so as not to be disturbed by
human traffic. Shrubs and trees can be planted to stabilize
them. Roots of trees reach downwards to tap groundwater

and anchor the sand in the process.

e) Growth of Coral Reefs Artificial reefs can be created by
placing environmentally friendly and long-lived materials like
steel or concrete on the sea floor. Man-made reefs are as
productive as natural reefs in enhancing fishing opportunities
and serve as undersea barriers to reduce impacts of wave
energy.
Comparison of the
Effectiveness of
Coastal management
Protection Measures
Hard Engineering

Comparison of the
Effectiveness of
Coastal Management
Protection Measures
Soft Engineering