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Estimation of the flow energy dissipation induced by an ecosystem that accounts for its characteristics (i.e. biomechanical properties, morphology, density) and the incident hydrodynamic conditions is crucial if ecosystem-based coastal protection measurements want to be implemented. Characterization of a vegetated ecosystem by measuring leaf traits, biomechanical properties of plants and the number of individuals per unit area involves a lot of effort and is case-specific. Standing biomass can be a unique variable defining the flow energy attenuation capacity of the ecosystem. To explore its relation to the induced energy attenuation on the flow, a new set of experiments using real vegetation with contrasting morphology and biomechanical properties, and subjected to different incident flow conditions is presented. The obtained standing biomass-attenuation relationships will help to quantify the expected coastal protection provided by different vegetated ecosystems based on their standing biomass and the flow conditions.Recorded Presentation from the vICCE (YouTube Link): https://youtu.be/-qaKkBWZApk

The use of CFD for numerical representation of laboratory wave flume and basins, commonly known as numerical wave tanks (NWT), has become more popular in recent years with the aim of improving knowledge in the field of wave-structure interaction (WSI), both fixed and floating, due to advances that have been made in numerical modelling, mainly with the reproduction of three dimensional problems. The use of this technique is displacing even traditional approaches based on the use of potential flow equations, due to the versatility provided by the CFD approach, which allows considering nonlinear interactions between structures and waves, and above all, extreme events such as wave breaking. However, implementation of these models as a complementary tool to physical modeling facilities is not yet standardized and requires further development to hybridize these two techniques, numerical and experimental, in order to obtain a better knowledge of physical processes. Implementation still requires overcoming existing modeling limitations and the additional steps to be taken focus on the following areas are: a) numerically mirror wave generation and active/passive absorption in physical installations; b) numerical resolution of WSI problems, which to date depends on each WSI case; c) computational cost, which may be the bottleneck for NWT implementation; and, finally, the most important feature that is where the added value of the hybrid approach lies, d) the exchange of information between the laboratory measurements and the results of the numerical simulations in order to obtain a better understanding of WSI problems. This paper will present an analysis of the main aspects described above for the implementation of hybrid techniques for the study of WSI problems (floating and fixed). The latest advances in modeling developed with IHFOAM solver (ihfoam.ihcantabria.com), and physical modeling procedures to link laboratory and numerical tools will be presented. The main objective is establishing a standard procedure to implement this technique in any physical installation.Recorded Presentation from the vICCE (YouTube Link): https://youtu.be/6mAQccSrREM

This paper describes the capability of a new model, called IH-3VOF to simulate wave-structure interaction problems using a three-dimensional approach. The model is able to deal with physical processes associated with wave interaction with porous structures. The model considers the VARANS equations, a volume-averaged version of the traditional RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes) equations. Turbulence is modeled using a k- approach, not only at the clear fluid region (outside the porous media) but also inside the porous media. The model has been validated using laboratory data of free surface time evolution in a fish tank containing a porous dam. Numerical simulations were calibrated by adjusting the porous flow empirical coefficients for two granular material characteristics. Sensitivity analysis of porous parameters has also been performed. The model is proven to reproduce with a high degree of agreement the free surface evolution during the seeping process. Simulations of a three- dimensional porous dam breaking problem has been studied, showing the excellent performance of the model in reproducing fluid patterns around a porous structure. The model is powerful tool to examine the near-field flow characteristics around porous structures in three dimensional flow conditions.

Sustainability of coastal areas requires the development of a standard procedure for the selection of equitable defence solutions and the design optimization of existing defences in order to minimize the impact on the environment and maximize positive effects such as species biodiversity and structure colonization. The aim of this paper is to propose a combined method, based on numerical simulations and on collection of ecological data in the field, to provide indications for an environmental friendly construction of breakwaters. This method is applied and tested against the case study of Elmer, UK, where information on existing species and their abundance related to hydrodynamic effects induced by the breakwaters