COASTAL RECOVERY UTILIZING REPOSITIONABLE BEACH MODULE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the stabilization and/or restoration of beaches, and more particularly relates to stabilization and/or restoration of beaches utilizing longshore transport interactions.

BACKGROUND

Waves, storms, and coastal currents may all result in beach erosion, manifesting in long term losses of sediment and rock, as well as short term redistribution of sediment and rock to other regions of a coastline. Such beach erosion can damage coastal property, for example, by reducing the size of the beach and undermining coastal structures. Such destruction and losses can have a severe negative impact on beach properties. Additionally, the loss of beach terrain may result in the loss of natural habitats for coastal life. The loss of natural habitats can have a deleterious impact on coastal eco-environments.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a first implementation, a method of restoring a beach includes positioning a recovery module at a first location in a region of a beach to sea interface. A longitudinal axis of the recovery module is oriented generally perpendicular to a longshore current in the region of the beach to sea interface. The recovery module is removed from the first location upon achieving a desired level of accretion adjacent to the recovery module.

One or more of the following features may be included. Positioning the recovery module in the first location may include positioning the recovery module to be at least partially emergent during at least a portion of a tidal cycle. Positioning the recovery module in the first location may include positioning the recovery module to be at least partially submerged during at least a portion of a tidal cycle. Positioning the recovery module in the first location may include positioning at least about half of the recovery module in the sea.

Positioning the recovery module may include ballasting the recovery module. Ballasting the recovery module may include filling at least a portion of an interior of the recovery module with water. Positioning the recovery module in the first location may include anchoring the recovery module.

The desired level of accretion may provide a reduced longshore current interaction at the recovery module. Removing the recovery module may include at least partially de-ballasting the recovery module. The method may further include positioning the recovery module at a second location in a region of beach to sea interface. The second location may include an updrift location relative to the first location. The second location may include a seaward location relative to the first location.

According to another implementation, a method of beach restoration includes positioning a plurality of recovery modules at a plurality of first locations in a region of a beach to sea interface. A longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of recovery modules is oriented generally perpendicular to a longshore current in the region of the beach to sea interface. At least one of the plurality of recovery modules is moved from at least one of the plurality of first locations to at least a second location.

One or more of the following features may be included. The at least a second location may include an updrift location relative to the plurality of first locations. The at least one of the plurality of recovery modules may include a furthest downdrift recovery module of the plurality of recovery modules. The at least a second location may include a seaward location relative to the at least one of the plurality of first locations.

Moving at least one of the plurality of recovery modules may include moving all of the plurality of recovery modules to a plurality of second locations. The method may further include removing at least a portion of the plurality of recovery modules from the region of the beach to sea interface. Moving at least one of the plurality of recovery modules to at least the second location may include moving the at least one of the plurality of recovery modules upon achieving a desired level of accretion adjacent to the at least one of the plurality of recovery modules.

According to yet another implementation, a method of beach restoration includes positioning a plurality of recovery modules at a plurality of first locations in a region of a beach to sea interface. A longitudinal axis of each the plurality of recovery modules is oriented generally perpendicular to a longshore current in the region of the beach to sea interface. A furthest downdrift recovery module of the plurality of recovery modules is sequentially moved to an updrift location relative to the remaining recovery modules.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method of coastal recovery.

FIG. 2 diagrammatically depicts a portion of a coastline to be recovered.

FIG. 3 diagrammatically depicts the portion of coastline of FIG. 2 including a plurality of recovery modules positioned thereon.

FIGS. 4
a-4c schematically depict various embodiments of a recovery module.

FIG. 5 diagrammatically depicts a crane-based deployment of a recovery module.

FIG. 6 diagrammatically depicts a land and sea based deployment of a recovery module.

FIG. 7 diagrammatically depicts a roller based land deployment of a recovery module.

FIG. 8 diagrammatically depicts the formation of an accretion zone adjacent to a plurality of recovery modules.

FIG. 9 diagrammatically depicts the formation of an accretion zone adjacent to a plurality of recovery modules.

FIG. 10 diagrammatically depicts the plurality of recovery modules of FIG. 9 moved to a plurality of second locations.

FIG. 11 diagrammatically depicts the formation of an accretion zone adjacent to the plurality of recovery modules in the plurality of second locations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring FIG. 1, a method of coastal stabilization and/or restoration may generally include positioning 10 a recovery module at a first location in a region of a beach to sea interface. A longitudinal axis of the recovery module may be oriented 12 generally perpendicular to a longshore current in the region of the beach to sea interface. The recovery module may be removed 14 from the first location upon achieving a desired level of accretion adjacent to the recovery module. As used herein, coastal recovery and/or restoration may include coastal stabilization. Accordingly, the methods described herein may include methods for restoring a coastal region and/or for mitigating or reducing further erosion.

For example, and referring also to FIG. 2, littoral cell 50 is generally shown. Littoral cell 50 may generally include a region of coastline encompassing a beach region 52 and a sea region 54, and defining beach to sea interface 56, generally (e.g., the surf zone). As is known, beach to sea interface 56 may be a dynamic region (e.g., rather than a static or defined line), and may shift as a result of tidal action (e.g., the beach to sea interface may be further landward during high tide and further seaward during low tide), wave action, and a variety of other dynamic environmental circumstances and effects. Longshore current 58 may have an overall direction that may be generally parallel to beach to sea interface 56. As is generally known, longshore current 58 may generally result from wind action causing waves to approach the beach at an angle other than perpendicular to beach to sea interface 56. The resultant swash may also generally be at an angle that is other than perpendicular to beach to sea interface 56. Sand, and other particulate material, may be transported up the beach generally in the direction of the swash. The backwash, or seaward current, of a receding wave may be generally perpendicular to beach to sea interface 56. As such, sand, and other particulate material, may be generally transported seaward in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the beach to sea interface. Because the swash and the backwash may be oriented differently relative to beach to sea interface 56, the resultant longshore current may result in sediment (e.g., sand and other particulate material) transport in the direction of longshore current 58.

With reference also to FIG. 3, recovery module 60 may be positioned 10 at a first location (e.g., location 68) in a region of beach to sea interface 56. In addition/as an alternative to a single recovery module (e.g., recovery module 60), the method herein is equally susceptible to a plurality of recovery modules (e.g., recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66). In an implementation utilizing a plurality of recovery modules (e.g., recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66) the plurality of recovery module may each be positioned 10 in a respective first location (e.g., respective location 68, 70, 72, 74) in a region of beach to sea interface 56, as shown in FIG. 3. It should be noted that while the figures herein may generally depict an implementation utilizing a plurality of recovery modules, the principles of the present disclosure are equally susceptible to the use of a single recovery module (e.g., recovery module 60). Further, while the figures herein generally depict an implementation utilizing four recovery modules, this is intended for the purpose of illustration only, as a greater or fewer number of recovery modules may be equally utilized. For example, depending upon the size of the littoral cell to be restored, twenty-four or more recovery modules may be utilized. As used herein, any characteristics, attributes, and operations described with respect to recovery module 60 may be equally attributable to any of the plurality of recovery modules (e.g., any of recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66).

While recovery module 60 (and/or recovery modules 62, 64, 66) may be described herein as being positioned 10 in first location 68 (and/or locations 70, 72, 74 of recovery module 62, 64, 66) that may generally be in a downdrift region of littoral cell 50, this is intended for the purpose of explanation only (e.g., in the context of a specific embodiment of coastal recovery of a larger region of littoral cell 50, to be described in greater detail below), and should not be construed as a limitation. In various additional/alternative embodiments recovery module may be positioned 10 at any desired location within littoral cell 50, e.g., to effectuate localized coastal recovery, and or to effectuate coastal recovery of a larger region of littoral cell 50 in an alternatively sequenced manner. All such implementations are considered to be within the contemplation of this disclosure.

As shown, a longitudinal axis of recovery module 60 may be oriented 12 generally perpendicular to longshore current 58. Consistent with the present disclosure, the presence of the one or more recovery modules at beach to sea interface 56 may generally disrupt the longshore current in the region proximate the one or more recovery modules. The degree or disruption of the longshore current may be, at least in part, based upon the dimension of the recovery module generally perpendicular to the longshore current. As such, a longitudinal axis of recovery module 60 (as well as a longitudinal axis of recovery modules 62, 64, 66) may be oriented 12 generally perpendicular to longshore current 58 to maximize the disruption of longshore current 58 in the region proximate recovery module 60 (as well as the respective regions proximate recovery modules 62, 64, 66). However, it should be appreciated that other orientations of the one or more recovery modules (including an orientation in which the longitudinal axis of the one or more recovery modules is generally parallel to the longshore current) may also be utilized with varying degrees of efficacy (e.g., which may be based upon, at least in part, the degree of resultant disruption of the longshore current).

Positioning 10 the recovery module (e.g., recovery module 60 for the purpose of example, with the following description being equally applicable to one or more of recovery modules 62, 64, 66) in the first location (e.g., location 68 of recovery module 60) may include positioning 16 the recovery module (e.g., recovery module 60) to be at least partially emergent during at least a portion of a tidal cycle. Positioning 16 recovery module 60 to be at least partially emergent during at least a portion of a tidal cycle may include positioning recovery module 60 such that at least a portion recovery module 60 is disposed above the average water level (e.g., the water level at a midpoint between the crest and trough of a wave) during at least a portion of a tidal cycle. In an at least partially emergent position, recovery module 60 may (but is not required to be) completely submerged during at least a portion of a tidal cycle (e.g., during high tide) and/or in above average seas for littoral cell 50.

Positioning 10 the recovery module (e.g., recovery module 60 for the purposed of example) in the first location (e.g., location 68 of recovery module 60) may include positioning 18 recovery module 60 to be at least partially submerged during at least a portion of a tidal cycle. Being positioned 18 to be at least partially submerged during at least a portion of a tidal cycle, at least a portion of recovery module 60 may be disposed below the average water level during at least a portion of a tidal cycle. In an at least partially submerged position, recovery module 60 may (but is not required to be) completely emergent during at least a portion of a tidal cycle (e.g., during low tide) and/or in below average seas for littoral cell 50.

Furthermore, positioning 10 the recovery module (e.g., recovery module 60, for the purpose of example) in the first location (e.g., location 68 of recovery module 60) may include positioning 20 at least about half of recovery module 60 in the sea. In such an arrangement recovery module 60 may be positioned 20 such that the full height of recovery module 60 is submerged for half of the length of recovery module 60 during at least a portion of a tidal cycle. For example, recovery module 60 may be positioned such that the full height of recovery module 60 is below the average water level at a mid-tide condition (e.g., a tide level that is midway between high tide water level and low tide water level) for half of the length of recovery module 60. Accordingly, recovery module 60 may bridge beach to sea interface 56 during at least a portion of a tidal cycle. In such a configuration, the waterline may generally move up and down the length of recovery module 60 during a tidal cycle.

Recovery module 60 (and/or recovery modules 62, 64, 66) may generally include a generally rectangular prismic, or box-like, structure. According to one embodiment, recovery module 60 may have dimensional ratios of one unit height, one and a quarter units width, and four units length. Similarly, in exemplary embodiments recovery module 60 may have a length of between about 20 feet to about 40 feet. However, these dimensions are intended only for the purpose of illustration, and not of limitation. Various additional/alternative dimensions may suitably be utilized. Generally, in beach environments having a steeper gradient (e.g., as may be associated with a high energy beach) a relatively shorter recovery module may be employed. Conversely, in beach environments having a shallower gradient a relatively longer recovery module may be employed. However, such implementations should be understood to be for the purpose of example, and not of limitation, as environmental conditions, design preference, recovery module availability, and the like, may provide for a variety of alternative implementations. The illustrated recovery module is intended for the purpose of example and should not be construed as a limitation. Various additional/alternative geometries (e.g., cylindrical, trapezoidal, etc.), dimensions, and dimension ratios may suitable be utilized depending upon environmental conditions, design criteria, etc.

Consistent with various embodiments, the recovery modules may include hollow structures that may be manufactured from metal (e.g., reinforced or non-reinforced sheet metal), plastic (including fiber reinforced plastics as well as non-reinforced plastics), composite materials, concrete (reinforced as well as non-reinforced) or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the recovery modules may include generally sealed and/or watertight structures, and/or include generally sealed and/or watertight features. Further, in some embodiments, the generally sealed and/or watertight structures or features may include fluid conduits, such as passages, hoses, vents, etc., that may be selectively opened such that the generally sealed and/or watertight structures or features may be at least partially filled with fluid (such as water or air), for example, by to allow flooding of the generally sealed and/or watertight structures or features. Additionally, in some embodiments, when the at generally sealed and/or watertight structures or features are filled with air, a recovery module may be at least partially buoyant and/or floatable. An at least partially buoyant and/or floatable recovery module may facilitate, for example, sea transport, for example by pushing or towing.

Referring also to FIGS. 4a through 4c, and embodiment of recovery module 60 is depicted. Consistent with the illustrated embodiment, recovery module 60 may include a generally enclosed rectangular box. While not shown, it will be appreciated that the recovery module may include various reinforcing structures, such as internal or external ribs, bulkhead, and the like. Additionally, recovery module 60 may include one or more ports (e.g., ports 150, 152) that may provide fluid communication with an interior of recovery module 60. It will be appreciated that while only two ports (namely ports 150, 152) are shown, the number and arrangement of the ports may vary depending upon design criteria and user need. One or more of ports 150, 152 may include associated seacocks, connectors (e.g., including self closing connectors, which may, for example, achieve a closed condition when not coupled to a mating connector, etc.), and the like. Seacocks, connectors, valves, and the like may allow, for example, one or more of ports 150, 152 to be opened or closed (e.g., to allow fluid communication with an interior of recovery module 60, and/or to prevent fluid communication with an interior of recovery module 60), may allow hoses or equipment to be coupled for fluid communication with an interior of recovery module 60, and the like. It will be appreciated that a recovery module herein may include various additional/alternative configurations, and that various additional/alternative method and arrangements may be utilized for flooding and blowing down a recovery module.

With particular reference to FIG. 4a, and continuing with the above discussed aspect in which recovery module may be at least partially filled with water (e.g., “flooded”), one possible arrangement for flooding recovery module 60 (e.g., for the purpose of ballasting recovery module 60) is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, port 150 may allow air to escape from recovery module 60, for example via a hose (not shown) coupled to port 150. The other end of the hose (e.g., opposite the end of the hose that is coupled to port 150) may, for example, be supported above the surface of the water, by a float or other suitable arrangement. As such, the hose coupled to port 150 may effectuate a surface snorkel for exhausting air from within recovery module 60. The other port (e.g., port 152) may be opened to allow water to flow into recovery module 60, thereby causing air to be exhausted from recovery module 60 via port 150 and the hose connected thereto. Further, as shown, port 152 may include a downpipe extending to a region proximate a bottom interior of recovery module 60. Consistent with the illustrated arrangement, water may only enter recovery module 60 via port 152, and may be direct to a region proximate a bottom interior of recovery module 60. Air, which may be displaced by the entering water, may be exhausted above, or near, the surface of the water. In such an arrangement, recovery module 60 may be filled from the bottom up. Accordingly, recovery module may maintain its general orientation in the water (e.g., may have a decreased tendency to roll and/or flip over).

Referring to FIGS. 4b and 4c, two possible arrangements and methods are shown for removing the water from recovery module 60 (e.g., “blowing down”/pumping out recovery module 60). As shown in FIG. 4b, compressed air (e.g., which may be provided by a surface compressor, tanks of compressed air, or the like) may be introduced into recovery module 60 via port 150. The introduction of compressed air into recovery module 60 may displace the water within recovery module 60, e.g., by forcing the water to exit recovery module 60 via downpipe 154 and port 152. As downpipe 154 may extend to a region proximate a bottom of recovery module 60, water may be displaced from recovery module 60 down to the level of the interior open end of downpipe 154.

In a related embodiment, depicted in FIG. 4c, rather than (or in addition to) displacing the water within recovery module 60 using compressed air, the water within recovery module 60 may be pumped from within recovery module 60. For example, a hose (not shown) may couple port 152 to an external water pump (e.g., which may be provided by a surface vessel). Water may be pumped out of recovery module 60 (e.g., via port 152 and downpipe 154). The water pumped out of recovery module may be replaced by air that may enter recovery module 60 via a hose (not shown) coupled to port 152. The hose coupled to port 152 may extend above the surface (and/or may be coupled to a supply of air, e.g., one or more compressed air tanks) in the manner of a surface snorkel. As described with respect to FIG. 4b, as downpipe 154 may extend to a region proximate a bottom of recovery module 60, water may be removed from recovery module 60 down to the level of the interior open end of downpipe 154.

Referring also to FIGS. 5 through 7, various techniques may be used to position 10 the one or more recovery modules (e.g., recovery module 60 for the purpose of explanation). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, recovery module 60 may be deployed and positioned 10 from beach 52 utilizing crane 76, an excavator, forklift, loader, or similar heavy equipment. In such an embodiment, crane 70 may transport recovery module 60 across beach 52 and may position 10 recovery module 60 in beach to sea interface 56.

Referring to FIG. 6, recovery module 60 may be deployed from sea, and may be positioned 10 from sea and/or land. For example, recovery module may be towed, e.g., by being towed by a suitable tow vessel (e.g., boat 78), through the sea to a position generally proximate first location 68. Recovery module 60 may be positioned 10 by boat 78 pushing recovery module 50 into first location 68. In some embodiments, beach-based heavy equipment (e.g., bulldozer 80, a crane, an excavator, a forklift, a loader, or other suitable beach-based equipment) may position 10 and/or assist in positioning recovery module 60. For example, once recovery module 60 has been towed through the sea to the general vicinity of first location 68, bulldozer 80 may pull and/or push recovery module 60 into first location 68.

Referring to FIG. 7, in another example, recovery module 60 may be deployed across beach 52 using intense pneumatic tires 82, collectively, as rollers for traversing beach 52 and positioning 10 recovery module in first location 68. As is generally known, intense pneumatic tires (also known as “roller bags,” “shipping air bags,” and “salvage bags”) may generally include inflatable, generally cylindrical structures. As indicated above, intense pneumatic tires 82 may be used as rollers for deploying recovery module 60 across beach 52. As recovery module 60 rolls across intense pneumatic tires 82, individual intense pneumatic tires may exit from the rear of recovery module 60, and may be moved in front of recovery module 60. Recovery module 60 may subsequently roll across an intense pneumatic tire moved in from of recovery module. During deployment of recovery module 60 using intense pneumatic tires 82, recovery module 60 may, for example, be manually pushed and/or pushed using suitable equipment, such as a tractor, bulldozer, loader, etc. Once recovery module 60 has been positioned 10 in first location 78, any intense pneumatic tires 82 positioned under recovery module 60 may be deflated, and either removed or left in place for subsequent repositioning of recovery module 60. Various additional/alternative techniques may equally be utilized for deploying and positioning the one or more recovery modules in desired locations at the beach to sea interface.

Positioning 10 the one or more recovery modules (e.g., recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66) may include ballasting 22 the one or more recovery modules. As discussed above, the one or more recovery modules may include an at least partially empty compartment. In some embodiments, the at least partially hollow structure of the one or more recovery modules may be, at least initially, emptied during positioning 10. For example, when the at least partially hollow structure of a recovery module is empty, the weight of the recovery module may be decrease, thereby facilitating moving the recovery module. Once the recovery module has been positioned 10 in the desired location, the recovery module may be ballasted 22, for example, which may increase the weight and stability of the recovery module. Accordingly, once the recovery module has been ballasted 22, the recovery module may be less susceptible to undesired movement, e.g., due to the wind or wave. However, it is also appreciated that the strata of the beach and/or sea floor may vary in consistency and stability, which may give rise to settling of the recovery module. Therefore, the degree of ballasting may be determined, at least in part, by the nature of the beach and/or sea floor strata such that undue settling may be reduce and/or eliminated. Undue settling, as used herein, may include settling that may inhibit and/or undesirably increase the difficulty of future repositioning and/or removal of the recovery module; settling that may alter the degree of emergence of the recovery module and undesirably reduce inhibition of longshore drift or otherwise decrease the efficacy of the recovery module; or otherwise give rise to undesirable movement of the recovery module. The degree of ballasting may be varied by the selection of ballasting materials, the amount of ballasting material, the inclusion of low density materials (e.g., foam materials, air bladders, or other low density materials), and the like. In addition, baffling may be used in conjunction with, or exclusive of the aforementioned ballasting materials, to minimize, mitigate or otherwise eliminate undesired settlement of the recovery modules.

In one embodiment, the recovery module may be ballasted 22 by at least partially filling 24 the recovery module with water. The recovery module may be at least partially filled 24 with water by, for example, pumping water into the recovery module, opening one or more seacocks below the water level (e.g., an possibly also one or more air vents above the water level), thereby allowing the recovery module to at least partially flood. In addition/as an alternative to at least partially filling the recovery module with water, other ballasting materials (e.g., sand, rocks, etc.) may be similarly utilized. Further, in addition/as an alternative to ballasting 22 the recovery module, positioning 10 the recovery module in first location 68 may include anchoring 26 the recovery module in place. The recovery module may be anchored 26 using any suitable known anchor, such as a mushroom anchor, earth auger, etc. Similarly, the recovering module may be anchored 26 by spudding. As is known by those having skill in the art, as spud may generally include a vertical post (such as a steel rod, shaft, or tubular member) that may be coupled to the recovery module (e.g., as by being received through a receptacle or opening in the recovery module and/or attached to the recovery module) and may be at least partially driven into the beach and/or sea floor.

As discussed briefly above, the one or more recovery modules (e.g., one or more or recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66) may be removed 14 from the first location (e.g., respective first location 68, 70, 72, 74) upon achieving a desired level of accretion adjacent to the recovery module. For example, and referring also to FIGS. 8 and 9, recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66 located at beach to sea interface 56 (e.g., at respective locations 68, 70, 72, 74) may disrupt longshore current 58 in the region of respective recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66. The disruption of longshore current 58 may cause sediment to accrete on the updrift side of the one or more recovery modules. For example, sediment (e.g., sand and other particulate material) may be carried in a downdrift direction. However, upon reaching a recovery module (e.g., recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66) the sediment may not be able to continue to migrate in the downdrift direction (e.g., which may be a result of the physical obstruction caused by the recovery module, a loss of energy in the downdrift direction sufficient to carry and/or suspend the sediment, etc.). As a result of the disruption of longshore current 58, accretion zones (e.g., accretion zones 84, 86, 88, 90) may form around the one or more recovery modules (e.g., respective recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9). Once a desired level of accretion has occurred adjacent the one or more recovery modules, the one or more recovery modules may be removed 14 from the first location (e.g., respective first locations 68, 70, 72, 74). Accordingly, the placement of the recovery modules may facilitate coastal recovery, and once a desired level of coastal recovery has occurred, the recovery modules may be removed from the first location, thereby leaving nothing behind. As described above, the desired level of accretion may provide a reduced longshore current interaction at the recovery module (e.g., as a result, at least in part, of the built up accretion zones 84, 86, 88, 90).

In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, as the beach accretes around the one or more recovery modules (e.g., recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66), the one or more recovery module may become progressively more emergent (i.e., a greater amount of the recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66 may become high and dry). At this stage, the recovery modules may be completely on beach 52 during at least a portion of a tidal cycle. Once the accretion zones extend the full length of respective recovery modules, no further accretion may occur as a result of the presence of the recovery modules. Accordingly, at such the recovery modules may be removed 14 from beach 52. While, consistent with this example, it may be possible to build up accretion zones 84, 86, 88, 90 until recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66 are completely on beach 52 (i.e., the accretion zones extend the entire length of the recovery modules) it is not necessary to achieve such a level of accretion.

As discussed above, once a desired level of accretion has been achieved adjacent the one or more recovery modules (e.g., recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66) in the one or more respective first locations (e.g., respective first locations 68, 70, 72, 74), the one or more recovery modules may be removed 14 from the first locations. Any suitable technique, or combination of techniques, may be used for removing 14 the one or more recovery modules. For example, the one or more recovery modules (e.g., recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66) may be removed 14 utilizing techniques similar to the techniques utilized for positioning recovery module 60, described with reference to FIGS. 5 through 7. Further, removing 14 the recovery module may include at least partially de-ballasting 28 the recovery module. For example, if recovery module 60 was ballasted 22 by being at least partially filled 24 with water, the water may be pumped out of recovery module 60, drained from recovery module 60 (e.g., by opening one or more seacocks included on recovery module 60), by displacing the water (e.g., by pumping compressed air into recovery module 60), or other suitable means. Similarly, if recovery module 60 was ballasted 22 with sand or rock, the sand or rocks may be removed, e.g., using an excavator, or similar technique. Additionally, removing 14 the one or more recovery modules may include removing any anchors associated with the one or more recovery modules.

Consistent with the foregoing description, coastal recovery may be accomplished, at least in part, through accretion adjacent to one or more recovery modules in the one or more first locations. Once a desired level of accretion has been achieved, the one or more recovery modules may be removed from the first locations. As such, coastal recovery may be achieved with not residual structures or components remaining behind once the coastal recovery has been achieved. In some implementations, additional coastal recovery, beyond the accretion adjacent to the first locations, may be desired. Referring also to FIG. 10, additional coastal recovery may be accomplished by positioning 30 one or more recovery modules at one or more second locations (e.g., second locations 92, 94, 96, 98) in a region of beach to sea interface 56a. It should be noted that, due to accretion resulting from positioning 10 the one or more recovery modules (e.g., recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66) in the one or more first locations (e.g., first location 68, 70, 72, 74) the location of a beach to sea interface 56a may have migrated seaward, relative to the initial location of beach to sea interface. The one or more recovery modules (e.g., recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66) may be moved from the first location (e.g., first locations 68, 70, 72, 74) to the one or more second locations (e.g., second locations 92, 94, 96, 98) utilizing any suitable techniques, including but not limited to the techniques shown and described with reference to FIGS. 5 through 7.

The second location (e.g., one or more for second locations 92, 94, 96, 98) may include an updrift location relative to the first location. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, second location 92 may include a location that is at least partially in an updrift (e.g., moved in an upcurrent direction of longshore current 58) relative to first location 68. Similarly, in an implementation utilizing a plurality of recovery modules, one or more of the second positions associated with one or more of the plurality of restorations may include an updrift location relative to the respective first locations of the plurality of recovery modules.

Further, while not shown, in one embodiment, a plurality of recovery modules may be migrated in an updrift location utilizing a “leap frog” type technique. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, positioning 30 the plurality of recovery modules in a plurality of second locations that each include an updrift location relative to the respective first locations of each of the plurality of recovery modules. For example, the at least one second location may include an updrift location relative to the plurality of first locations. Further, consistent with an embodiment of a leap frog technique, the at least one of the plurality of recovery modules may include a furthest downdrift recovery module of the plurality of recovery modules. For example, and by reference to FIG. 3, a second location associated with recovery module 60 (e.g., which may be a further downdrift recovery module of the plurality of recovery modules) may include an updrift location relative to first location 74 associated with recovery module 66 (e.g., the furthest updrift recovery module of the plurality of recovery modules). The others of the plurality of recovery modules may be sequentially moved to an updrift location relative to the remaining recovery modules in a corresponding leap frog manner. For example, a recovery module in a first location that includes an updrift location relative to the first recovery module (e.g., recovery module 62 having first location 70 that includes an updrift location relative to first location 68 of recovery module 60) may be moved to a second location that includes an updrift location relative to the second location associated with the first recovery module (e.g., recovery module 60). Consistent with such a leap frog migration technique, the plurality of recovery modules may be moved sequentially, en masse, or utilizing other migration schemes.

With reference again to FIG. 10, in addition/as an alternative to positioning 30 the one or more recovery modules in a second location that includes an updrift location, the second location may include a seaward location relative to the first location. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, second locations 92, 94, 96, 98 may include seaward locations relative to respective first locations 68, 70, 72, 74. As described above, accretion zones 84, 86, 88, 90 may form adjacent respective recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66. As such, the effective beach to sea interface (e.g., beach to sea interface 56a) may migrate seaward as beach 52 is restored. As such, the first locations (e.g., first locations 68, 70, 72, 74) may be up the beach relative to the beach to sea interface due to the accumulation of accretion zones 84, 86, 88, 90. Second locations 92, 94, 96, 98, which may include seaward locations relative to the first locations, may once again position 30 the one or more recovery modules in the new beach to sea interface (e.g., beach to sea interface 56a) such that the one or more recovery modules may be generally half in the water and half in the sea, as described above with respect to positioning 10 the one or more recovery modules in the one or more first locations. Referring also to FIG. 11, and as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, accretion zones (e.g., accretion zones 100, 102, 104, 106 shown in FIG. 11) may form adjacent to the one or more recovery modules (e.g., recovery modules 60, 62, 64, 66) as a result of longshore drift caused by longshore current 58.

According to one embodiment, once a desired level of restoration and/or stabilization has been accomplished (e.g., via accretion of sediment adjacent the one or more recovery modules), one or more recovery modules may be positioned for ongoing maintenance and/or stabilization of the littoral cell 50. For example, one or more recovery modules may be positioned 34 in a maintenance location. The maintenance location may include, for example, one or more of the first locations (e.g., first locations 68, 70, 72, 74), one or more of the second locations (e.g., second locations 92, 94, 96, 98), and/or one or more third locations (not shown). As described herein, the one or more recovery modules positioned 34 in the one or more maintenance locations may be oriented generally perpendicular to longshore current 58. Accordingly, the one or more recovery modules positioned 34 in the one or more maintenance locations may prevent/reduce erosion of the previously accreted sediment.

The one or more recovery modules positioned 34 in the one or more maintenance locations may remain in the one or more maintenance locations for a relatively extended period of time. For example, the one or more recovery modules may remain in the one or more maintenance locations for a single season (e.g., during which the longshore current may have a generally constant direction). Additionally/alternatively, the one or more recovery modules may remain in the one or more maintenance locations for one or more years (or any portion thereof). Not withstanding the relatively extended period of time that the one or more recovery modules may remain in the one or more maintenance locations, the one or more recovery modules may continue to be subject to relatively simple and complete removal.

As described above, recovery modules may be formed from a variety of materials. In the case of recovery modules positioned in a maintenance locations, recovery modules may be formed from a material that is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to water, for example salt water. For example, such recovery modules may be formed from concrete, e.g., which may be capable of withstanding such prolonged exposure to salt water. Additionally/alternatively, recovery modules positioned in maintenance locations may be formed from composite materials, polymeric materials, corrosion protected steel (e.g., including corrosion resistant coatings, and the like).

According to another embodiment, in addition to restoring a coastal region, accreted sediment may be used to form on shore protective barriers. For example, accreted sediment may be moved (e.g., from one or more of accretion zones 84, 86, 88, 90, 100, 102, 104, 106) to create on shore features such as dunes, berms, and/or other permanent, long term, and/or sacrificial barriers to guard against major storms. Such features may protect further inland portions of the coastal region, e.g., in the even of a relatively large storm. Sediment may be moved from one or more of the accretions zones in a generally conventional manner, e.g., slurry pumping; heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, loaders, and the like; as well as any variety of other suitable techniques.

Consistent with any of the above-described movement techniques, positioning 30 at least one of the recovery modules in a second location may include moving all of the plurality of recovery modules to a plurality of second locations (e.g., moving the plurality of recovery modules en masse). Additionally/alternatively, the one or more recovery modules may be moved in a sequential manner, e.g., in which only one recovery module may be moved at a time. Further, while only a single move of the recovery modules is shown (e.g., positioning 10 the one or more recovery modules in a first position and subsequently positioning 30 the one or more recovery modules in a second position), it will be appreciated that effecting a desired level of coastal recovery may include moving the one or more recovery modules to a plurality of updrift locations and/or a plurality of seaward locations within littoral cell 50. Additionally, the method may further include removing 32 at least a portion of the plurality of recovery modules from the region of the beach to sea interface. As discussed above, one aspect of the present disclosure may include a method to effect coastal recovery that does long leave any equipment or waste within the littoral cell once the desired coastal recovery has been accomplished. The one or more recovery modules may be removed utilizing any suitable techniques, including, but not limited to, the techniques shown and described with reference to FIGS. 5 through 7.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

COASTAL RECOVERY UTILIZING REPOSITIONABLE BEACH MODULE

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