Coastal Erosion and Engineering Solutions along Visakhapatnam Coastline East Coast of India

Abstract

Utilizing the primary field data collected concerning bathymetry, topography, and ocean parameters, a numerical simulation analysis (DELFT-3D) was conducted. A comparison between the numerical model of outcomes and the existing field data suggests a reasonable alignment regarding hydrodynamic factors. Several mitigation strategies were tested during the simulation study, taking into account their effectiveness, cost-efficiency, durability, and ease of installation. After careful consideration, the ‘perched beach’ concept has been selected as the most suitable op - tions. This mitigation measure consists of three key elements. Creation of a perched beach stretch of desired width along Ramakrishna Beach Road was carried out by sand nourishment. This nourishment can be sourced from Catamaran Beach Bund, where the required quantity of sand is presently available and is likely to be replenished naturally during NE monsoon. The transport of sand from catamaran beach to RK beach stretch can be done by a land-based pipeline. Installation of a 2 km long ‘Sill’ is required to retain the nourished sand from sliding into steep slopes in surf-zone. This shall be a geo-synthetic tube filled with sand to act as retaining structure up to 2 m depth. This operation is season-independent as the sill can be installed from land-based pumping of slurry. Installation of 2 km long submerged artificial reef to reduce the wave energy incident on the beach will aid in beach building process over the seasons. This shall be made up of artificial concrete blocks like tetrapod laid over a width of 12 m and a height of 2 along 3 m depth contour and smaller in shallow waters.