ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4369-209X
Year
2022
Season
Fall
Paper Type
Master's Thesis
College
College of Computing, Engineering & Construction
Degree Name
Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)
Department
Engineering
NACO controlled Corporate Body
University of North Florida. School of Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Raphael Crowley
Second Advisor
Dr. Kelly Smith
Third Advisor
Dr. William Dally
Department Chair
Dr. Alan Harris
College Dean
Dr. William Klostermeyer
Abstract
This study compared two methods of shoreline protection – the common Reef Ball and the novel Pervious Oyster Shell Habitat (POSH). Both structures are meant to attenuate wave energy and subsequently reduce shoreline erosion. While Reef Balls have a long, documented history of effectively mitigating beach erosion, POSH units are new structures and their effectiveness had not yet been previously assessed. Clusters of POSH units and Reef Balls were deployed at the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve’s shoreline at Kingsley Plantation. Wave staffs were placed seaward and shoreward from these clusters and wave heights were measured over a holiday weekend during approximate worst-case boat wake conditions. Data showed no statistically significant difference between Reef Ball and POSH performance, although it is interesting to note that in both cases, sometimes apparent wave height amplification as opposed to attenuation was observed as waves passed over the structures. However, we note that results presented here are for a limited range of tidal conditions and studying a greater tidal range could lead to different conclusions about the POSH units’ relative effectiveness.
Suggested Citation
Waggoner, Jacob, "Comparison Between Pervious Oyster Shell Habitat (POSH) Unit and Reef Ball Performance Along an Eroding Shoreline in Northeast Florida" (2022). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 1154.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/1154