Publication Details

Modification of design parameters for coastal protection structures in view of future sea level rise for Terengganu Coast, Peninsular Malaysia

Global warming and climate change cause sea level to rise, which will result in the coastline being impacted by higher waves and higher tide levels. The increase in waves and tide level will influence the design, effectiveness and stability of the coastal structures. To ensure that the coastal structures are adequately designed and perform satisfactorily during their design lifespan, it is necessary to have an understanding of the extent of sea level rise (SLR) and the increased forces that the structures will be subjected to. A study was carried out to assess the design parameters for the existing and the year 2100 conditions by means of numerical models for the coast of Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. A design comparison is then carried out between previous sea level condition (assuming SLR=0) and that with the 2100 projected sea level rise condition (SLR = 0.35m) at Kuala Terengganu, to represent the coast Terengganu. The results indicate that the range of increase in the structure crest level is from 0.30 to 0.37 m, hence the structure crest level has to rise by a magnitude that is larger than the corresponding increase in mean sea level. The increase crest level is largely controlled by an increase in wave run up caused by the nearshore wave height increase due to SLR. The design comparison shows that the armour rock size will also need to be increased by 2 to 5 percent, to withstand the increased in wave forces. Results from this study can be used by coastal engineers, planners, coastal planning, design and sustainable risk management in adapting to future sea level rise impact. and elected representatives at various levels of the government and interested community stakeholders in coastal planning, design and sustainable risk management in adapting to future sea level rise impact.