Equilibrium Beach profile measurement and sediment analysis : Mustang Island, Texas.

Abstract

This engineering report describes the measurement techniques and results of an equilibrium beach profile survey and sediment analysis. The main objective of the project was to obtain an accurate equilibrium beach profile at a location on Mustang Island, and to compare the actual profile to a predicted profile. The predicted profile is based on the median grain size diameter of sediment samples taken from the dune crest to approximately 4000 ft offshore. The survey was accomplished using an electronic total station with a standard surveying rod on land, and the underwater profile was measured with a sled towed behind a boat. A triple prism was attached to both the top of the rod and sled. The sled is an aluminum and steel structure equipped with two 12 ft long skids and a 36.5 ft mast. The predicted profiles are based on two methods. One method uses Dean's equation for equilibrium beach profiles, z = Ax 2/3 , where z is the water depth, A is the profile scale factor related to the sediment fall velocity, and x is the distance offshore. The other method involves a more complex analysis described by Dean and Dalrymple, which accounts for a variation in sediment size and profile scale factor, A, in the offshore direction. Both methods are described and compared in this report. This data will also be used by Dr. R. G. Dean of the University of Florida in a study he is conducting on equilibrium beach profile prediction