Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

CLIENT: US Army Corps of Engineers
PROBLEM: Too much sediment

The US Army Corps of Engineers built a 300m long breakwater at Aguadilla on the west coast of Puerto Rico designed to give small fishing vessels a place of sanctuary during severe weather. Prior to breakwater construction, it was assumed that the littoral sand transport system was from the north to the south.

Rapid infilling of sand severely decreased the breakwaters usefulness during and following its construction. In order to better understand the origin of the sand and shoreline effects caused by the breakwater, the USACE Jacksonville District funded a Sediment Trend Analysis (STA).

CLIENT QUESTIONS:

  • Where is sediment coming from that is infilling behind the breakwater?
  • Is it affecting coastal erosion?

 

 

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