Low Profile Groin Performance Assessment

Stump Pass State Park, FL was the site of a low-profile innovative groin field installed following the re-alignment of the local down-drift inlet. Geoscience Consultants was hired by the prime contractor to assess the performance of the installation. Analysis using hydrographic surveys, lidar, beach profiles, past work, and aerial imagery was used to define the patterns associated with the inlet modifications and the presence of the low-profile groins. This was was one of the original installations of low-profile geo-textile groins and showed promise in shoreline stabilization. Despite suggestions to maintain the installation, the state decided to remove it at the end of its four year test phase. It was removed with low-impact equipment, highlighting the ability to remove the installation, and, unfortunately, the shoreline retreated rapidly as predicted by the analysis.

Coastal change and analysis data at the site including topographic and bathymetric LiDAR, aerial imagery, shorelines, and beach profiles

3D view of low profile groin installation

Shoreline change in area of low-profile groins; shoreline data collected prior to installation of low-profile groins.