Use of Advanced Numerical Models in Beach Nourishment Projects with Application to Two Beaches of Rhodes

In the present paper we use an advanced numerical nonlinear wave and sediment transport model for the design of two nourishment projects in Rhodes Island. Non linear wave transformation in the surf and swash zone is computed by a non-linear breaking wave model based on the higher order Boussinesq equations for breaking and non breaking waves. The new Camenen and Larson (2007) transport rate formula involving unsteady aspects of the sand transport phenomenon is adopted for estimating the sheet flow sediment transport rates as well as the bed load and suspended load over ripples. Suspended sediment transport rate is incorporated by solving the 2DH depth-integrated transport equation for suspended sediment. Model results are compared with experimental data (morphology evolution behind detached breakwater) and field data (morphologies between fishtail groins). The agreement between numerical simulations and data is quite satisfactory. The methodology is applied to simulate sediment transport and beach evolution in soft shore protection methods (beach nourishment and submerged breakwaters) in two beaches of Kameiros (Rhodes, Greece).