Shoreline Analysis and Conceptual Design

The town of South Padre, TX commissioned a study on the use of geo-textile low profile groins to reduce erosion in an existing hot-spot. The need to find alternative methods of shoreline stabilization was born out by the increasing scarcity and expense of local off-shore sand resources. Geoscience Consultants was hired by the primary contractor to assess the historic shoreline trends and define the various sediment transport mechanisms. Remote sensing data including aerial imagery and lidar was combined with site visits, beach profiles, and previous works to document historic and short-term changes and processes. Based on the data and analysis, Geoscience Consultants also developed an innovative low profile groin conceptual design using geo-textiles to work with the overarching sediment transport regime and a planned renourishment.