Transient Wave Transformation though Reduced-Scale Physical Model of Mangrove Forests of Moderate Cross-Shore Width

This project investigated the potential of mangroves as a natural and nature-based option for coastal flood hazard mitigation through construction of a 1:16- geometric scale physical model, based on post-storm damage assessments following Hurricane Irma (2017) indicated that mangroves of modest cross-shore thickness (O~20m) shielded inland structures and mitigated damage compared to other shoreline treatments. Transient and random waves were generated across an idealized mangrove test section of two cross-shore widths as well as a baseline case to measure mangrove effects on hydrodynamics and loads on sheltered inland structures. This project was part of the experimental campaign, "Collaborative Research: Wave, Surge, and Tsunami Overland Hazard, Loading and Structural Response for Developed Shorelines," with collaborators from the United States Naval Academy, University of Notre Dame, Oregon State University, University of Southern California, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Hanyang University.