Artificial reefs and submerged breakwaters

2 Artificial reefs and submerged breakwaters for erosion protection 

An important performance parameter for artificial reefs and submerged breakwaters is the wave transmission coefficient AT, which is the ratio of the approaching wave height to the transmitted wave height, (Fig. 20.32). Values of Kt range between 0 (no waves 

33(b) shows three geotextile tube—submerged breakwaters used to protect a beach isthmus from erosion. Before construction of the submerged offshore 

As discussed, artificial reefs are effective structures for preventing erosion of exposed beaches. In addition to beach protection, there has been interest in the past 15 years in 

By their nature, multifunctional artificial reefs are located in exposed locations with waves breaking over them. Consequently, they have to be robust stmctures with good durability and should not change significantly in shape (height) over time. Furthermore, when they are used for surfing and other recreational pursuits, they come into contact with humans and thus must provide a safe, injury-free environment. This has tended to prevent the use of rock and concrete materials for multifunctional artificial reefs. 

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Figure 20.32 Parameters affecting the performance of artificial reefs and submerged breakwaters.

Low-crested and submerged structures (LCS) as detached breakwaters and artificial reefs are becoming very common coastal protection measures (used alone or in combination with artificial sand nourishment).As an example, a number of systems and typical applications of shore-control structures is shown in Figs. 20.4-20.7. 

H. D. Armono and K. R. Hall, Wave transmission on submerged breakwaters made of hollow hemispherical shape artificial reefe, Canadian Coastal Conf. (2003). 

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