Optimum use of dredged materials for sustainable shoreline management in Nile Delta

Coastal zone of Egypt Nile Delta is exposed to an extensive changes due to natural and artificial influences. These changes have induced erosion problems along coastlines of Nile Delta. Near or foreshore replenishment is an alternative approach in many areas instead of hard structures to avoid negative impact of coastal structures. The frequent maintenance dredging works of ports approach channels could be considered as possible sources of sand, which may be used to address sediment budget and to help overcome coastal erosion at key strategic locations. Two-dimension morphological numerical model (2DH) was developed using Delft3D to study and predict the effect of using dredged sediment from the approach channel on minimizing the retreat of shoreline at the area subjected to erosion. The morphological simulation runs included 8 model scenarios to test the effect of dumping the dredged materials at various locations with different quantities. Analysis of model results were carried out to assess the optimum location and quantities of the nourishment using the dredged materials. The results showed that, the directly placement of dredged materials at shoreline was found to be the most effective choice enhancing the stability of the shoreline. The applications through the current case study could help and guide for integrated management processes and practice.