Speaker
Description
Nature-based solutions are increasingly recognized as essential tools in the fight against coastal erosion and the impacts of climate change. Living breakwaters and bio-integrated coastal structures represent a significant advancement in this area, offering a sustainable and ecologically friendly alternative to traditional breakwaters. These innovative systems combine the primary function of wave attenuation with a range of co-benefits, including carbon sequestration, habitat creation, and the cultivation of valuable biomass. This work presents a comprehensive investigation into the numerical modelling of such systems, focusing on the development of robust methodologies for optimizing their design.
The present work explores the potential of bio-integrated solutions, specifically focusing on the use of aquatic organisms like algae for wave attenuation. Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques, involving dynamic mesh methods within the OpenFOAM® framework, are utilized to simulate the complex hydrodynamic interactions between waves and algae-based systems. Calculation of wave-induced loads is performed on floating components, as well as on the biological material, by incorporating detailed modelling of the algae's geometric characteristics. This approach enables the understanding of the dynamic behaviour of these systems under realistic wave conditions.
Furthermore, this work focuses on the development of advanced computational models, capable of accurately simulating the complex interactions between these structures and the dynamic marine environment. This includes the use of Finite Element analysis to assess the structural response of modular living breakwaters constructed from eco-friendly and biodegradable materials. The calculated hydrodynamic loads are used as input for the structural analyses, which is used to perform a detailed sensitivity analysis to identify critical design parameters, such as component dimensions and material selection, leading to optimized configurations that balance wave attenuation effectiveness with structural integrity and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the long-term performance of these structures is evaluated through fatigue life analysis, to assess their resilience under the loading conditions of the ocean environment.
This research highlights the effectiveness of advanced numerical simulations in the design and optimization of living breakwaters and bio-integrated coastal structures. By integrating computational modelling with a focus on sustainable materials and ecological principles, this work contributes to the development of robust and environmentally sound solutions for coastal protection. The results of the study emphasize the importance of considering both structural integrity and ecological function in the design of these complex systems, paving the way for a more resilient and environmentally harmonious approach to coastal management.
Acknowledgements
This work was performed in the scope of the AQUABREAK - Aquaculture Living Breakwater for Coastal Protection and Sea Decarbonization project, Grant code PT-INNOVATION-0093, funded by the “Blue Growth” Program of the EEA Grants Portugal 2014-2021.
