Introduction to Coastal Engineering

Understand and respond to a changing coastline with this comprehensive reference

Coastal engineering concerns society’s interactions with coastlines and relates, for example, to coastal flooding, beach erosion, seawalls and breakwaters, and the design of marinas. As climate change drives sea level rise, coastal engineering is critical in responding to increased coastal flooding and receding shorelines. The need to develop coastal infrastructure while minimizing environmental impacts makes this a vital field.

An Introduction to Coastal Engineering offers a comprehensive overview of this subject, designed to bridge existing gaps in the general civil engineering literature. Covering all major aspects of coastal engineering, including ocean wave behaviour, structures, sediments, mixing processes, and modelling, the book emphasizes practical solutions and applications for students and practicing engineers alike. Thorough and rigorous, yet highly readable, the book is a must-own tool for developing solutions towards a sustainable coastal future.

An Introduction to Coastal Engineering readers will also find:

• Pertinent descriptions of wave theories, wave transformations and random waves
• Detailed discussion of practical solutions, recent advancements in the field, and up-to-date data sources
• Worked-through examples and end-of-chapter problems with some written assignments
• A spreadsheet appendix containing a set of reference solutions

An Introduction to Coastal Engineering is ideal for students in upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in coastal engineering, practicing coastal engineers, and other engineers engaged in coastal flood protection, waterfront development projects, and minimizing environmental impacts along shorelines.

Michael Isaacson, Ph.D., P.Eng., is Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia, Canada. He has decades of experience teaching coastal engineering and undertaking coastal engineering projects, his publication record includes over 200 papers on coastal engineering topics, and he has served on numerous professional committees and boards.