De Haan - Belgium
home
close

Complete description of case study

 

 

PHOTO OF THE SITE

CASE STUDY

Title De Haan
National level Belgium
Regional level West-Vlaanderen
Local level De Haan

ABSTRACT

De Haan is an important seaside resort in Belgium and the erosion of the beach can threaten its tourist and recreational function. The developed part of the town is also at risk because of the erosion (safety of people and investments).A severe regression of the overall beach/dune profile is observed after repeated storm surges. No further retreat of the coastline can be allowed in the coastal sections where safety against flooding must be guaranteed by dunes.The policy option is to hold the line. In this area, protection works combine profile beach nourishment with a sub-tidal feeder berm. The decision to choose this system was based on economic, technical and ecological considerations.

BASIC INFORMATION

Coastal characteristics
  • Study area: local scale
  • Type of coast: beaches with fine-medium sand (D50= 0,15 - 0,30 mm).
  • Tidal regime: macro tidal (3,5-5 m)
  • Wave climate : wave short crested because of shallow sea and short fetch.
  • Storms: storms surges
  • Other: wind set-up (water elevation up to 2 m)
Policy options Hold the line
Socio-economic activities Tourism and recreation, nature conservation, urbanisation.
Engineering techniques Historic: seawall
Present: combination of feeder berm with beach nourishment

SOURCE

Name B. Malherbe
Institution HAECON Harbour and Engineering Consultants, Belgium
Telephone +32-(0)9 216-6363