Monitoring of a small scale artificial beach and analysis of its performance

Artificial nourishment is a method by placing huge amounts of sand from the shore towards the sea and implemented in various applications as an erosion control method in many parts of the World. The importance of a beach, which is similar to natural, not only for erosion control but also recreational purposes is accepted by everyone. A small beach was artificially nourished by Rize Municipality in Alipaşa District of Rize Province. The aim of this study is to monitor and determine the performance of this artificial beach. Bathymetric surveys, wave and sediment analyzes were carried out in the region within the scope of the study. The artificial beach in the region was observed for 15 months. Attempts were made to measure on average every two months, more frequently at baseline. Simultaneously measured depths and positions were collected in the computer program, and the bathymetric map of the region was drawn. As a result of field studies, it was observed that all of the material in the fed area, which had spurs on both sides, moved away from the area. It was concluded that additional measures should be taken in order to ensure longer life of artificial beaches where cross-shore transport is not prevented. As in many coastal structure projects, artificial nourishment projects are also quite costly projects. Therefore, the performance of current application will guide for future studies.