Balancing societal needs and environmental aspects when designing and implementing shore protection solutions

A high concentration of the population lives and works along the coast. In many instances, this causes increased erosion problems and high demand for recreational use of coastal resources. Engineers employ a number of shoreline protection methods—classified as “hard” or “soft” solutions—to halt or slow the erosion process. Hard solutions typically include structures such as groins, breakwaters, seawalls, and revetments that can hold the shoreline at a fixed location. Soft solutions include more natural shoreline treatments like beach nourishment and bioengineered shoreline protection (e.g., living shorelines). Appropriate shoreline management actions depend on factors that include long-term erosion rates, values of upland development, vital infrastructure protection, recreational interests, and wildlife habitat restoration. Examples of our services are below.

• beach nourishment, planning, design, permitting, construction observation, and monitoring
• coastal structure evaluations and design
  • seawalls
  • jetties
  • revetments
  • piers
  • living shorelines
• economic benefit analyses