In the past, the predictions of beach processes and harbor sedimentation were mainly relied on the hydraulic model tests and empirical methods. In recent years, however, as computers have come into wide use, more accurate models have gradually been developed and thus replaced those conventional methods. For prediction of topography change near the coastal area, we need information of wave and current conditions in the numerical model which should be calculated in advance. Numerical model introduced in this study combines wave refraction-diffraction, breaking, bottom friction, lateral mixing, and critical shear stress and three sub-models for simulating waves, currents, and bottom change were briefly discussed. Simulations of beach processes and harbor sedimentation were also described at the coast neighboring Bangpo Harbor, Anmyundo, Chungnam, where the area has suffered from accumulation of drifting sand in a small fishing harbor with a wide tidal range. We also made model test for the new layout of the harbor with the south breakwater for preventing intrusion of sand. Although the model study gave reasonable description of beach processes and harbor sedimentation mechanism, it is necessary to collect lots of field observation data, including waves, tides and bottom materials, etc. for better prediction.
Utilization of the coastal zone, especially the nearshore zone, has steadily been increasing for human activities such as transportation, industry, and daily life. Port development and construction of coastal structures require a lot of reclamation area. Furthermore, these brought about the beach erosion, sediment deposition at harbor entrance, and topography changes, etc. Beach deformation in the coastal development zone is caused by the various factors, such as waves, wave induced currents, tidal currents, winds, and discharged water from the river mouth or estuary area. We might say that the main factors among these are waves and wave-induced currents.
