Protecting the community
The ongoing risks of degradation to the sea wall and the stability of the slopes behind have been a major concern for the community. The historic concrete sea wall had reached the end of its serviceable life with a predicted failure/loss within the next 10 years. The new revetment scheme is also designed to combat the effects of sea level rise and provides increased protection in storm conditions which are predicted to increase in frequency as a result of climate change.
The toe of the sea wall is now bolstered by rock armour 2 meters high and 8 meters wide. Designers assessed wave energy to best determine the profile of the rock allowing it to sufficiently reduce the impact on the wall. The areas most prone to wave impact were protected with larger rocks set at a steeper profile.
The Norwegian granite boulders, each weighing between 8 and 10 tonnes, were delivered onto the beach from a barge.
Encouraging wildlife
Coastal defences typically have lower biodiversity than natural rocky shores. To make better provision for wildlife, over 120 rock pools were cut into the granite granite boulders, and over 130 groove sections were carved into the surface to cater for small crustaceans.
Within two weeks of the creation of this habitat it had begun to be colonized by sea life.
CEYH2019 award winner
Runswick Bay Coastal Defence Scheme was the winner of the Innovation category at the Constructing Excellence Yorkshire and Humber Awards 2019. The entry was submitted by the client, Scarborough Borough Council.
