Hard and Soft Engineering

Hard Engineering:

• Groynes - Groynes are wooden/rock barriers that run perpendicular to the shore and trap sediments that are being moved by longshore drift. They are low cost and easily repaired however they can cause a sand deficit/starvation downdrift
• Revetments - Revetments are sloping ramps across the beach that take the full force of wave energy. They are made of rocks, concrete or timber and the large air spaces in them help to absorb wave energy. They are effective and cheap to construct however they do not cope well with powerful storm waves and may damage foreshore ecosystems
• Rip Rap - Rip Rap are large rocks that are placed at the foot of sea walls/cliffs. They are permeable and able to absorb wave energy. They are effective and cheaper than revetments and also look natural however they may shift in heavy storm conditions and be under-scoured by backwash
• Sea walls - Massive concrete walls. The recurved version is increasingly used to reflect wave energy rather than absorb it. They are used to inhibit erosion and protect against flooding. They are effective and can be used to protect valuable/high risk property. However they are…