Book Description

This report describes and evaluates three field tests conducted to determine the feasibility of using seagoing hopper dredges to obtain materials from the offshore zone for delivery to eroded beaches. The tests were conducted at Sea Girt, New Jersey; Jacksonville, Florida and Virginia Beach, Virginia. The tests focused on the capabilities of the dredging equipment, including the systems of equipment used to deliver dredged material to beach areas, and on the operation practices employed in dredging and delivery. As a result of the tests and their evaluation the author concludes that advances in the capabilites of dredging equipment are conducive to increased use of seagoing hopper dredges for excavation of material from the offshore zone and delivery to beach areas. The report includes recommendations for further testing of alternative systems for delivery of dredged material to eroded beaches, including components such as mooring buoys, flexible connectors and discharge pipelines. The report also identifies the need for a national study of the availability of materials in the offshore zone for use in beach nourishment. (Author).