NOVEL SURGE BARRIERS FOR COASTAL PROTECTION

Surge barriers protect coastal infrastructure such as ports, roads, and bridges from storm surges and high tides, but conventional fixed barriers are costly and come with significant operational drawbacks. This research evaluates three innovative temporary barrier concepts: flexible membrane barriers that self-deploy with rising water, sinkable floating barriers raised from the seabed by pumping in air, and shade curtain barriers attached to existing bridge structures. The project will assess which site conditions suit each concept, quantify hydraulic loads, and address the structural and geotechnical design requirements needed to make these barriers viable alternatives to traditional fixed structures.