Estimation of the beach bar parameters using the genetic algorithms

Waves, topographic characteristics and material properties are the most significant factors, which affect the sediment movement and coastal profiles. In this study, considering the wave height (H-0) and period (T), the bed slope (in) and the sediment diameter (d(50)), the cross-shore sediment movement is investigated using a physical model and obtained 80 experimental data for offshore bar geometric parameters. The experimental results are also evaluated by the genetic algorithms (GAs) that are limitedly employed in coastal engineering applications. The results of GAs model and equations cited in the literature are compared with the experimental results. It is concluded that estimates of bar parameters by the GAs give a better estimation performance with respect to other conventional methods. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.