We are taking new steps forward in our mission to protect vulnerable coastlines and islands from the impacts of rising sea levels. Our Purpose-Built Reef (PBR) is currently being tested at Deltares by Marion Tissier, together with graduate Vincent Takens, both from TU Delft. This large-scale experiment, at a 1:3 scale, aims to determine the effectiveness of our PBR in breaking high waves and mitigating coastal flooding, particularly for low-lying islands like the Maldives.
Sam van den Oever installing our PBR in the Delta Flume at Deltares, Delft
Since the start of printing our PBR in March 2024, Coastruction's Sam van den Oever and Nadia Fani have been busy ensuring the success of the CREST project which is part of the ARISE project. Together with TU Delft, they successfully installed the structures in the Delta Flume in June 2024.
Key Research
Our PBR was tested in the 300-meter-long wave flume at Deltares, simulating the wave conditions hitting a coral reef island atoll. The large scale of this experiment is crucial as it provides a realistic picture of how water interacts with our structures, thus influencing the waves. The results of these tests are essential for understanding and predicting the effects of reef restoration on island flooding.
The research focuses on two primary aspects:
Coastal Protection: The artificial reefs are tested against varying sea levels to measure how effectively they can break waves and protect the coastline. Initial results show promise in using these structures as a reliable coastal protection measure, helping to prevent erosion and enhance the stability and resilience of the islands.
Biodiversity Promotion: In addition, our PBRs are designed to promote marine biodiversity. Their porosity and complex shapes allow marine life to attach, inhabit and thrive, creating a sustainable and biodiverse underwater ecosystem.
Importance of the research
The disappearance of natural coral reefs due to increasing ocean temperatures and other environmental stresses has left many island nations vulnerable to the ravages of high waves and rising sea levels. This experiment is particularly relevant for the Maldives, a nation composed of over a thousand low-lying islands at risk of being submerged.
Looking Forward
Our collaboration with Deltares, TU Delft, and other partners such as Boskalis and the University of Plymouth, is pushing the boundaries of coastal protection and resilience. We are eager to see the results of these large-scale tests and translate these findings into actionable strategies for protecting coastal communities.
A big thank you to Marion Tissier, Vincent Takens, Sam van den Oever, and Nadia Fani for their dedication and leadership on this project.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue our efforts to safeguard our oceans and coasts! For more information on this project visit the website of TU Delft or read this article from RTL news.