Experimental Investigation of Wave Attenuation Using a Hybrid of Polymer-Made Artificial Xbloc Wall and Mangrove Root Models

Abstract

Rising sea levels, strong wave currents and destructive human activities put coastal areas at risk of erosion and potential flooding. Several countermeasures have been introduced—both artificial and natural—to tackle the issue. This study investigated the effectiveness of the use of hybrid polymer-made artificial Xbloc walls and mangrove root models for protection against water waves. One Xbloc wall was made up of three Xbloc units stacked on top of each other and joined together using water-resistant tape. The artificial models were designed using SolidWorks and AutoCAD software, 3D printed, laser cut and then superglued. The experiment was conducted at Nottingham Trent University Laboratory with a varying combination of single/multiple Xbloc walls and mangrove root models. The change in the wavelength, height, celerity and period was observed for six different model arrangements. The results revealed a successful decrease in the celerity, height and wavelength, as well as the elongation of the wave period (one cycle time). The hybrid arrangement of one Xbloc wall and two mangrove roots provided the best protection, reducing the wavelength, celerity and height by 5.50%, 26.46% and 58.97%, respectively, and also delaying the wave period by 28.34%. The lowest attenuation in the entire wave parameters stated was observed for the arrangement containing only one set of mangrove roots model. Therefore, the wave attenuation using the combined action of 3D printed polymer-made Xbloc walls and mangrove roots was better, because it facilitated the dissipation of wave energy to a greater degree compared to the use of only Xbloc walls or mangrove roots separately.

Keywords

• hybrid protection
• mangrove roots
• wave energy dissipation
• Xbloc wall
• flume tank
• coastal erosion