Simulation of the effects of pile-rock breakwaters on the coastal sediment transport at Ganh-Hao beach, Bac-Lieu province, Vietnam

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, the flat riverside coastal area of the Mekong Delta has been dealing with complex issues related to erosion and the buildup of sediment. Numerous research efforts have been undertaken to propose ways to address the adverse effects of shoreline erosion. One of these proposed solutions involves the construction of various types of breakwaters. A contemporary approach includes a design featuring concrete piles combined with a rock core, which has shown promising initial results in reducing wave impact and promoting sediment accumulation behind the structure. This study adopts a quantitative approach to examine how this structure influences sedimentation and erosion processes, the movement of suspended sandy sediments, and the seafloor within the zone extending from the structure to the shore. The research team utilized the Telemac numerical model, which combines dynamic hydrological calculations with simulations of coastal waves and sediment transport. The simulation results indicate a noticeable reduction in the concentration of suspended sandy sediments and an enhancement in sediment deposition in the area behind the coastal structure.