Application of prototype flume tests for beach nourishment assessment

The development of underwater profiles and sand losses from the dune respectively the beach by various water level and wave conditions has been studied worldwide in large wave flumes since 1955. Virtually all major results collected over the last decades are documented and described in this paper. Moreover, to this overview results from the MAST III-SAFE experiments, carried out in the Grosser Wellenkanal (GWK) in Hannover, are summarized and discussed in more detail. The tests were focused on beach and dune stability under given conditions with normal and raised water levels. The results are concentrated on surf zone profiles, beach slope and erosion. Furthermore, dune erosion with and without barriers, built into the dune face, and perched surf zone by means of an underwater sill were investigated.