Basic Coastal Engineering

Course content

After successful completion of the module, students will have a broad and solid basic knowledge of the mechanics of water waves and hydrodynamic processes in the coastal area, which enables them to determine the load, erosion and transport parameters for the required constructive and functional planning of engineering measures. The students are able to use the linear and nonlinear theory of water waves to calculate the total wave induced current parameters and the associated effects on sediments, structures and other obstacles. By the mediated calculation basics for wave transformation the students can calculate the effects of the bottom in shallow water (shoaling, refraction, wave breaking) as well as of buildings and other obstacles (reflection, diffraction) on the parameters (height, length, direction) of the waves and their stability (refraction criterion) at the given planning location. On the basis of the acquired basics of the origin, parameterization, mathematical/statistical description and prediction of the sea state, the students are able to determine the design waves for the functional and constructive planning. They can determine the design water levels on the basis of the acquired knowledge on the formation and prediction of tides on open coasts and in estuaries as well as of storm surges on the German North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts. In the seminar, students are enabled to conduct scientific research and to present research results from current publications in an appropriate manner.