Martijn Muller

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Objectives

A large part of the Dutch coast is protected by dunes. Knowlege about the strength and formation of dunes is important to make sure the safety of the hinterland is garantied. The Sand Engine (Zand motor) is a project proposed by the province of Zuid Holland to prevent coastal erosion at a number of locations.

The main objective of this thesis is to produce a working numerical simulation of aeolian transport applied to the sand engine. An existing model will be used [Sauermann, Partelli, Herrmann 2008] to investigate the influence of erosion/shaping by wind. This study will try to investigate the working of the model and adapt or extend it for use at the Dutch coast.

A project like the sand engine has never been executed in the Netherlands, which makes the project an interesting pilot case also this makes forecasting a challenge. To judge if the model reflects reality, we need to be able to associate this type of model with our situation at the Dutch coast. Therefore, the model has to be tested in a reference case similar to the conditions at the sand engine. Based on these results, an assessment can be made of the accurateness and relevance of this model in our coastal area. It is proposed to do a number of test simulations before looking at the sand engine. This way experience with the software will be gained and certain aspects of the model can, if necessary be adjusted.

Current work

At this moment I am working on setting up a reference case, including factors like changing waterlevel, rotating wind field and vegetation for trapping sediment in dunes.

Top view of the Sand engine with several cross section of the beach.

Approach plan
Plan_MartijnMuller.pdf