Study on spatial arrangement for coastal protection solutions in Ben Tre province using numerical model

Abstract

The coastline of Ben Tre Province, situated between the major estuaries of the Mekong River system, stretches approximately 65 km and has been experiencing severe erosion in recent years. Some single shore protection structures were built to protect severely eroded areas. While these structures show certain protective effectiveness, erosion continues to occur along other sections. This study focuses on the characteristics of the hydrodynamic regime and sediment transport along the entire coast of Ben Tre province as well as the impact of spatial arrangement of protection solutions on local hydrodynamics and sedimentation. The MIKE 21 numerical model is employed to simulate and evaluate coastal morphological changes under the proposed spatial arrangement of detached breakwaters combined with T-shaped groynes under different monsoon scenarios and the historical Linda storm. The simulation results indicate that the deployment of these structures not only significantly reduces wave energy and current speed but also promotes sediment deposition in the sheltered areas behind the structures.