SEDIMENT ANALYSIS OF AN ARTIFICIAL BERM NEAR FT. MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA

Periodic dredging is a common method for maintaining inlets and navigation channels. Historically, the dredged material was deposited offshore because the grain size and composition of this sediment usually makes it unfit for beach fill. However, repeated removal of this material can cause a deficit in the nearshore sediment budget. To prevent sediment deficit, the Army Corps of Engineers placed dredged sediment in a nearshore berm off the coast of Ft. Meyers Beach, Florida. The berm was engineered to act as both an active and stable berm by placing it near the depth of closure. Portions of the berm are located above the depth of closure in order to create an active berm and provide sediment for the beach. The remaining part of the berm was constructed below the depth of closure to create a stable berm responsible for reducing wave energy.

Anthropogenic activities such as active berms and beach renourishment affect the natural equilibrium of sediment distribution. This natural distribution is largely dependent on hydrodynamic conditions and can be estimated according to elevation changes and other environmental conditions. Samples were collected from the berm and control areas. A grain size distribution and sediment composition analysis was then conducted to determine the performance of the artificial berm placement.