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INSTRUCTORS:
Myrta Castellino
Larry A. Wise, P.E.
Jentsje van der Meer
Maarten Schoemaker, MSc
Course Length: 1 hour
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the International Conference on Coastal Engineering 2026.
Impact of Crownwall Shape on Wave Forces and Overtopping at Vertical Breakwater (14 minutes)
This presentation investigates how different crownwall geometries influence wave loading and overtopping at vertical breakwaters. Participants will learn about the hydraulic behavior of straight, recurved, curved, and overhanging parapet configurations used to improve overtopping performance. Numerical simulations are used to evaluate both hydraulic efficiency and structural loading characteristics under various wave conditions. The presentation examines how certain crownwall shapes can significantly reduce overtopping volumes while simultaneously increasing wave impact forces. Attendees will gain insight into the trade-offs engineers must consider when optimizing breakwater designs. The speaker also discusses impulsive loading phenomena associated with curved crownwalls and their implications for structural safety. Participants will better understand how geometry affects both functionality and structural reliability.
Interactions Between a Seawall and Detached Breakwater System: Dellanera RV Park Beach, Galveston, Texas, USA (14 minutes)
This presentation examines the design and performance of a detached breakwater system proposed to address chronic erosion near an urban seawall environment. Participants will learn how sediment transport processes influence shoreline change and infrastructure vulnerability along erosional coastlines. The speaker presents numerical modeling studies used to evaluate breakwater performance, beach nourishment retention, and downdrift impacts. The presentation highlights the interaction between structural protection measures and natural coastal processes. Attendees will gain insight into design considerations such as breakwater spacing, crest elevation, scour protection, and storm resilience. The economic performance of the project is also evaluated through benefit-cost assessments. Participants will develop a better understanding of integrated beach and breakwater management strategies.
The Influence of Storm Duration on Damage Development at Rock Slopes in Shallow Water (14 minutes)
This presentation explores how storm duration influences damage progression on rock-armored coastal slopes, particularly in shallow-water environments. Participants will learn about the mechanisms governing rock movement and armor layer deterioration under wave attack. Experimental studies reveal that damage development in shallow water behaves differently from traditional deep-water assumptions. The speaker discusses the role of breaking waves, infragravity waves, and storm duration in controlling cumulative damage. Comparisons between laboratory observations and established stability formulas demonstrate where existing approaches may be insufficient. Attendees will gain an understanding of how storm exposure time can influence design outcomes. The presentation provides important insights for improving stability assessment methods for coastal structures.
Making Robust Design Decisions Amid Future Uncertainties Applied in Coastal Protection (Optimizing Life Cycle Costs) (15 minutes)
This presentation introduces a framework for making coastal infrastructure design decisions under uncertain future conditions. Participants will learn how life cycle cost analysis can be combined with robust decision-making methods to evaluate long-term infrastructure performance. The speaker examines uncertainties related to sea-level rise, design standards, climate scenarios, economic assumptions, and future adaptation requirements. Through practical examples, the presentation demonstrates how different assumptions can significantly alter optimal design choices. Attendees will explore methods for identifying solutions that perform well across a broad range of future scenarios rather than a single predicted future. The presentation also highlights the value of reducing uncertainty through research and improved data collection. Participants will gain insight into risk-informed and adaptive coastal design strategies.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how crownwall geometry influences wave overtopping and wave-induced forces on vertical breakwaters.
- Describe how detached breakwaters interact with shoreline processes to reduce erosion and improve beach stability.
- Discuss how storm duration and shallow-water wave processes affect damage development in rock slopes.
- Identify key uncertainties that influence long-term coastal infrastructure design and life cycle costs.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Coastal Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Coastal Scientist
- Coastal Resilience Program Manager
- Government Coastal Zone Manager
- University Student or Researcher
How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]