Effectiveness and Ineffectiveness in three kinds of seawalls

Vertical seawalls

Effectiveness:

-The first implemented, most easily designed and constructed type of seawall.

-Vertical sea walls deflect wave energy away from the coast.

-Loose rubble can absorb wave energy.

Ineffectiveness:

-These are partial to a lot of expensive damage in a short period of time.

-Vertical design can be undercut by high-wave energy environments over a long period of time.

Curved seawalls

Effectiveness:

-Concave structure introduces a dissipative element.

-The curve can prevent waves from overtopping the wall and provides extra protection for the toe of the wall

-Curved seawalls aim to re-direct most of the incident energy, resulting in low reflected waves and much reduced turbulence.

Ineffectiveness:

-More complex engineering and design process.

-The deflected waves can scour material at the base of the wall causing them to become undermined.

Mound-type structures

Effectiveness:

-Current designs use porous designs of rock, concrete armour.

-Slope and loose material ensure maximum dissipation of wave energy.

-Lower cost option.

Ineffectiveness:

-Less durable.

-Shorter life expectancy.

-Cannot withstand or protect from high-energy conditions effectively.