Alternative Technologies to Prevent Coastal Abrasion

Many state programs that are designed to prevent erosion at the nation’s ports and harbors have utilized alternative technologies to prevent abrasion. These technologies include concrete entrapment systems, which entrapment is the prevention of concrete from sinking or moving inland. The concrete entrapment system uses a thick plastic material that is implanted along the bottom of the concrete crib under sea level pressure. This prevents the concrete from moving downstream even when tides are rising. Another alternative technologies to prevent abrasion at the nation’s harbors includes the use of polyethylene film and inflatable barriers.

Concrete entrapment systems and inflatable barriers can be costly and may not be the most effective in preventing the abrasion. In contrast, alternative technologies to prevent the abrasion of steel decks at the nation’s harbors include the use of steel planks with low friction and diamond composite ladders. These systems are cost effective and require very little labor to erect. The low friction nature of these materials reduces the wear on conventional anchor bolts. These alternative technologies to prevent coastal erosion also reduce the amount of force that overwhelms natural structures during hurricanes.

Research has shown that sediment from sand and oysters travel in different ways. Sludge, which is the organic matter found in rocks and other sediment, flows into rivers and streams to sludge that flows from a river into bays accumulate and interferes with eco-systems. This organic matter is carried by river currents into bay, lakes, and oceans. Biological reactions with plankton and algae cause the growth of various types of algae. In larger bodies of water this causes the toxic algal bloom that disables fish and makes other marine life unappealing for people and other species.

Preventing abrasion at sea requires a different technology than preventing abrasion of sand ladders. Seawater abrasion is caused by high pressure from head to toe, forcing water molecules into the narrow channels between rocks. The energy in the incoming waves combines with the molecular motion of rock to create a sudden pressure change. This change is called slab deformation and it can crack existing structures. New structures are sometimes need to be constructed where old ones were damaged.

The second of the two alternative technologies to prevent coastal abrasion is the use of a floating structure. A floating dock can be used to prevent the abrasion of boats and barges. These structures are anchored off the shore and move with the tide. As the time passes, the dock will go out into the sea where it can support the load of a boat or other vessels. These floating docks have been very successful in the prevention of abrasion in a few areas.

Other alternative technologies to preventing coastal erosion are the use of concrete and stone. These materials are highly effective in preventing the abrasion of soft concrete which is susceptible to high speeds of wave motion. In addition, they do not lose their integrity after being exposed to strong winds. The concrete and stone structures are built up above the beach where they are eventually resting on the sand. As the tide moves, these structures settle down and continue to hold down the beach.

Some engineers have also come up with ways of preventing coastal erosion by building structures that are self-supporting. These are mainly used in flat areas like beaches. The main technology used in this type of structure is that of a concrete slab which is placed atop a hard core made of either steel or concrete. Sand is spread below the foundation of the structure as well as on top of the base. The water is then allowed to fill up the core and it slowly refills as the tide keeps on coming in to fill the sand.

Coastal erosion is a problem caused primarily by humans. However, it has also become a problem due to changing climate conditions. These conditions are mainly attributed to global warming and its resulting melting of ice masses. Therefore, it is a good practice to adopt strategies that can prevent the abrasion of these structures. Alternative technologies to prevent abrasion may include proper grading of beach properties to prevent the gradual movement of sand and other ocean debris.

Baca Juga : Kuliah Umum FISIP UMA Al-Hisbah : Solusi Paradoks Pembangunan