Requirements analysis for inlet adjacent beach evolution research.

Abstract

This is a study with primary responsibility to prepare and report upon a "needs" analysis in regard to inlet interactions with adjacent shorelines from the perspective of coastal engineers who are experienced in practical analysis, design, regulatory permitting, and monitoring of inlet improvements. The investigators reviewed and summarized: the types of existing engineering problems encountered in regard to inlet/beach interaction; the typical methodologies presently employed to predict shoreline response to inlet modifications; the classical technical questions which are posed by regulatory agencies and other concerned parties in regard to proposed inlet modifications, the level of solution detail which is appropriate for various types of inlet improvement projects, levels of urgency for various solution types; and the nature of the data which are most readily available or obtainable for the practical use of shoreline prediction models. The investigators focused on the state of Florida and then expanded to projects and policies in other states where they were different. Several recent inlet plans already prepared for Florida were reviewed and the relevant inlet-specific problems and the types of available data identified were extracted and summarized. The study likewise summarized "classical" technical questions posed by State regulatory personnel in regard to projects which may have a potential impact to shorelines. Lastly, the investigators drew extensively upon discussions between themselves and on their own personal experiences in order to organize and summarize information addressing the major topics outlined. As a result, the product is largely a matter of opinion and is offered to stimulate further thought and discussion as the research effort evolves.