Composite modelling of the interactions between beaches and structures

An overview of Composite Modelling (CM) is presented, as elaborated in the EU/HYDRALAB joint research project Composite Modelling of the Interactions Between Beaches and Structures. An ntroduction and are view of the main literature on CM in the hydraulic community are given. In Section 3, the case studies of CM of the seven partners participating in this project are discussed. The focus is on the methodologies used and their impact on the modeling approach, rather than the results of the experiment sperse. A further section presents reflections on key elements in CM, as they emerged in the various case studies. The related subject of Good Modelling Practice is summarized in Section5. Then guidelines are given on how to decide if CM may be beneficial, and how to set up a CM experiment. It is concluded that CM in the hydraulic community is still in its infancy but involves challenging research with significant potential.