Coastal Infrastructure Design: Researching Sea-waves and Textured Surfaces Interaction Using Physical and Virtual Wave Flumes

Projected global rise in sea level and intensification of storms place the shoreline at risk, requiring extensive investment in coastal defence infrastructure. These structures are designed to efficiently dissipate wave energy at the expense of ecological and landscape values. The aim of the research is to establish a multifunctional approach to coastal infrastructure. Within this framework, it proposes a method for utilising simulation tools to creatively shape the interaction of sea waves with coastal structures for scenic and ecological benefits. It sets two primary goals: to establish that computational fluid dynamics tools can be used by architects to design the interaction of sea-waves with solid surfaces. This goal is explored by creating a digital simulation of a physical wave flume facility, and running physical experiments to calibrate the virtual simulation tool. Secondly, it uses these tools to systematically explore the range of possibilities latent in wave-structure interaction by initiating basic research into the flow properties of different types of textured surfaces to improve the aesthetic and ecological performance of such structures.