University of Ottawa

Purpose

A dynamic revetment, also known as a "cobble berm", uses gravel or cobblesized rocks to mimic a natural cobble beach for the purpose of reducing wave energy and stopping or slowing coastal erosion. Unlike seawalls, dynamic revetment is designed to allow wave action to rearrange the stones into an equilibrium profile, disrupting wave action and dissipating wave energy as the cobbles move. This research project will employ a combination of field surveys, laboratory experiments, and numerical modelling to develop an improved understanding of the physical processes governing the behaviour and performance of such shore protection systems. Methods to predict the behaviour and performance of cobble berms that can be used as design tools will be developed and validated. The research findings will be summarized in a peer-reviewed research paper and a guidance document for practitioners.