ROLL OF HYDRAULIC MODELLING IN PREDICTING IMPACT OF COASTAL STRUCTURES

Coastal area is dynamic and vulnerable due to action of various coastal environmental forces. The coastline shows constantly varying nature due to tidal effects and changes in wind and wave climate. Sediment movement, erosion and accretion are responsible for changing the morphology of coastal area. Human activities / interference is also responsible for changes in the coastline. Construction of ports, fisheries harbours, and power plants are the main development projects, which involve construction of coastal structures like breakwaters, jetties, groins, and reclamation as well as dredging and disposal activities. These activities interfere in the coastal processes, which in term have large impact on the coastline. It is necessary to predict the likely effects of coastal structures before undertaking any project. Hydraulic modelling technique is very useful in predicting the changes in coastal area and thereby to evolve appropriate design of the coastal projects. The impact of coastal development and usefulness of hydraulic modelling in mitigating the problem is presented with the examples in Indian scenario.