Project description
Enhanced models of wave overtopping support more effective design of coastal defences
Low-elevation coastal zones (LECZs) can be extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change and sea-level rise, which are expected to increase in the coming decades. Despite the existence of man-made defences, including storm walls and stilling wave basins, a better understanding of their interactions with overtopping waves is required for effective future design. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action Programme, the DURCWAVE project will carry out a composite modelling campaign targeting wave overtopping and post-overtopping processes using both physical and numerical modelling. With its results and outreach activities, DURCWAVE aims to facilitate effective decision making to reduce the vulnerability of all types of LECZ defences.
Objective
The growth in coastal zone population increases the exposure of large numbers of people and assets to hazards related to climate change. Sea level rise and increased storminess represent major threats to coastal defences preventing the inundation of the hinterlands. This is true especially in low elevation coastal zones (LECZs). Understanding the mechanisms that govern the interaction between overtopping waves and coastal defences to changing climate conditions is of outmost importance to amend the current design criteria of coastal defences. The present project, named “DURCWAVE” (amending the Design criteria of URban defences in LECZs through Composite-modelling of WAVE overtopping under climate change scenarios), aims to identify new design criteria for wave action by modelling wave overtopping and post-overtopping processes of urban defences (storm walls, stilling wave basins, buildings along coastal boulevards). To reach these objectives the project will implement a composite-modelling approach, consisting of both physical and numerical modelling. Physical model tests will be carried out in two different wave flume facilities at the host organization (UPC), meanwhile the numerical modelling will be performed through the secondment at the partner organization (UVigo). The mesh-free DualSPHysics model will be used for the scope. The EPR data-driven technique will be used to find new correlations between wave impacts and overtopping flows. The Action will provide a methodology to help decision-makers to estimate the vulnerability of coastal zones to climate change, by assess the threats for sea frontages and buildings on the coastline. The project outcomes will trace the path at National and European levels for further extensions from urban defences in LECZs to all kind of coastal defences. Furthermore, a unique numerical model technique to simulate post-overtopping processes and estimate wave loadings on coastal defences will be release open-source for public use.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinator
08034 Barcelona
Spain