Prediction of Gravel Beach Storm Profiles Under Bimodal Sea-States

Presently our understanding of gravel beach response under wave attack is limited and approaches to predict gravel beach response rely on formulae and models based on a few physical modelling studies. Field and laboratory studies (Hawkes, Coates, and Jones (1998)) indicate the importance of complex wave spectra (combining swell and wind sea) in the design of gravel beach recharge schemes.

The objective of the study was to develop a data-set and a new parametric model, Shingle-B, to analyse the generic profile response of shingle beaches under bimodal wave conditions in order to increase confidence in beach cross section design. A mobile bed flume study was therefore carried out at HR Wallingford.

This paper describes both the design and the results of the 2D physical model study.