A literature review of building with nature methods in Europe and the potential along the Belgian coast
Van Damme, Z. (2018). A literature review of building with nature methods in Europe and the potential along the Belgian coast. MSc Thesis. Gent University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture: Gent. 104 pp.
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Document type: Dissertation
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| Author keywords |
building with nature, coastal protection, sand nourishment, ecosystem engineers |
| Abstract |
Because of the dense population along the Belgian coast, coastal protection is of high concern. The traditional hard engineering structures are static structures that can not keep up with the increasing sea-level and increasing storm surges. All over Europe there is shift from these hard engineering structures to more dynamic and sustainable solutions like building with nature methods. Instead of working against the natural processes, natural processes are used to prevent erosion of the beaches and reduce hydrodynamic action on the coastal protection. From a literature review can be concluded that sand nourishment is the most widely used building with nature technique in Europe. But other solutionslike mega-nourishments (like the Sand Engine) and the use of ecosystems to adapt the hydrodynamic conditions are investigated. Building with nature methods in coastal protection are multidisciplinary projects that are in the beginning of their development and are studied all around the world. Also in Belgium the feasibility of building with nature methods is being investigated. |
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