Out of print publication, available as a photocopy only

Description: A groyne is a relatively long and narrow coastal defence structure, orientated at approximately right angles to the shoreline. Groynes are used to control the natural alongshore movement of beach material under the action of waves and tidal currents. This report provides guidance on the use and effectiveness of groynes to engineers involved in the planning or management of beaches and related coastal engineering works. The different types and functions of groynes are described together with the inshore environment with which groynes interact A procedure for assessing the potential effectiveness of either new or existing groyne systems at a particular site is given. The report goes on to describe the design procedure in general terms, since the flow patterns and related sediment movement caused by groynes are complex and cannot yet be described analytically. Design therefore necessarily requires the judgement of an experienced coastal engineer. The construction and maintenance of groynes are discussed, and the important role of monitoring within the overall management strategy is emphasised. The Appendices summarise the results of data collection on existing groyne systems in Britain, and a physical model study and related field measurement carried out to support the report.