Spyrou, D. and Karambas, T., 2021. Experimental and numerical simulation of cross-shore morphological processes in a nourished beach. Journal of Coastal Research, 37(5), 1012–1024. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.
This paper presents the results of an experimental and numerical research carried out to reproduce the cross-shore evolution of nourished sandy beaches. An extensive two-dimensional laboratory investigation was performed to study the cross-shore profile evolution after the application of a beach nourishment method. A 1:20 scale physical model was carried out in the Laboratory of the Department of Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The analysis considered only cross-shore sediment transport. Long-shore sediment transport is considered negligible. Consequently, the obtained results are related to the short-term response of the cross-shore profile. Ten different wave combinations were generated in an attempt to reproduce erosive conditions. Experimental results are given in terms of wave parameters, bed slope, and berm height of the nourished beach. An advanced nonlinear wave model was developed to simulate cross-shore morphodynamical processes. The comparison between the experimental and numerical beach profile indicated good agreement. Also, comparisons between Dean's analytical method and the experimental results were made.