Capacity building for field inspections: A comprehensive assessment tool for monitoring structural integrity and sediment capture performance of T-head groins

• A field assessment tool was developed for evaluating performance of T-head groins.
• Appropriate structural and sediment capture assessment criteria were identified.
• Qualitative and quantitative guidelines were developed for field inspections.
• The field assessment tool was demonstrated by case studies for three groin fields.
• Field assessment tool can be used for periodic monitoring of coast line conditions.

Objectives of this study were to develop a field assessment tool (i.e., criteria and rubrics) which can be used during periodic inspections of T-head groins, specifically those constructed for controlling coastal erosion along the Black Sea coastline in northern Turkey. The assessment criteria were developed for evaluating both the structural characteristics and the sediment capture performance. Detailed assessment criteria including location specific characteristics (i.e., coastal conditions, water/wave characteristics, abutting factors, abutting factors, land use, and potential natural and man-made hazard factors) and appropriate guidelines which can be used for qualitative and quantitative observations were developed. The field inspection can be used for performance comparison of the structures located at different locations, understanding the effects of location specific factors on sediment capture performance, and specific maintenance requirements. The tool was used to evaluate and compare the performance of 31 T-head groins located in three neighboring groin fields on the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey.

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