2005 conference paper
Post-Isabel Dune Reconstruction, Norfolk, Virginia
Solutions to Coastal Disasters 2005. Presented at the Solutions to Coastal Disasters Conference 2005.
Event: Solutions to Coastal Disasters Conference 2005
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
(OpenAlex)
Source: Crossref
Added: August 28, 2020
The City of Norfolk, Virginia was severely impacted by Hurricane Isabel in September 2003. The storm's waves and surge caused major beach erosion and nearly removed the protective dune in many areas across the City's shoreline. The City evaluated the condition of the shoreline after the storm and decided to implement a dune restoration project along approximately 5.5 km of the Ocean View shoreline from 14th View Street to Warwick Avenue. The project consisted of a protective dune designed to resist a 5-year return period storm, with additional material placed on the beach. Project construction began December 15, 2004. This paper details the analysis of the anticipated performance of that project, including SBEACH modeling and shoreline change analysis. Results indicate that while some adjustment of the berm is expected during the first year as the project equilibrates, it is anticipated that the dune fill will remain in place assuming no significant storm impacts. Considering long-term shoreline change rates, the mean high water line may retreat back to pre-project conditions in 2.5 to 3 years in several localized "hot spots" and 5 to 6 years in other areas, without storm impacts. Should a storm similar in magnitude to Hurricane Isabel occur during the project life, SBEACH modeling results indicate that more than half of the dune volume may be lost offshore or pushed landward. Although some remnant dune protection may remain, the occurrence of a storm of this magnitude would necessitate additional dune restoration in the project area.