A wave, water level, and structural monitoring plan for Dauphin Island, Alabama

The results of damage assessments following recent hurricane events suggest that predictions of wave transformation across barrier islands during overtopping events are unreliable and, even worse, inaccurate. In many cases, inaccurate model predictions of wave heights in high hazard areas are translating into improper standards for “lowest structural member” elevations on residential and commercial structures. The substantive result of which is increased cost of construction, whether initial or replacement costs. The purpose of this research is to improve guidance on building elevations in high hazard flood plain areas where wave action is the primary structural damage mechanism. A number of novel, autonomous wave gauges will be temporarily mounted to fixed structures on Dauphin Island, Alabama, in advance of an overtopping event during future hurricane seasons. Measured wave heights and water levels will provide an opportunity to characterize wave transformation across the barrier island. When combined with surveyed building elevations and a detailed inventory of structural and foundation characteristics, the measured waves and water levels will provide an opportunity to identify critical building elevations that delineate survival and destruction, as well as determine the adequacy of structural connections and foundations.