Overview
Optimizing the shape of breakwaters at the heads of harbors can reduce scour, erosion, and limit undesirable sediment accumulation. Within harbors, current deflecting walls can control currents to reduce sedimentation and dredging. Breakwaters, jetties, and groins are constructed to protect harbors from waves. Taking the sediment dynamics of the port and surrounding areas into account in their design can lead to multi-purpose structures that influence sediment transport toward natural areas that can benefit. As a result, the breakwaters may limit sediment recirculation and reduce demand for maintenance dredging.
