Wave Attenuation Devices® NOT Deflection Devices
Living Shoreline Solutions Inc. (LSSI) Wave Attenuation Devices® (WAD®s) scatter oncoming wave energy to stop nearshore erosion while redirecting a portion of that energy to stabilize individual devices & the array and as a pump to lift & transport rich sediment to the buffer zone between WAD® arrays and the beach. All resulting in natural, efficient shoreline restoration and powerful erosion mitigation.
Attenuation
Rather than deflect, WAD®s attenuate & diminish oncoming wave energy. Energy begins to be immediately dissipated as the wave encounters angled WAD® sides.
Initial Entry
Openings on the primary WAD® face are tapered inwardly to further dissipate the oncoming energy, dilute its power, and cause a secondary vortex effect.
Controlled Exit
Openings on the 2 back sides of the WAD®, wave intensity is met with twice the resistance (2X with V/P) which dissolves the remaining strength even further.
Suspension
WAD® energy distribution & engineered movement into and out of each device causing suspended sediment to fall out of the water column & scours sediment from being trapped inside the device.
Deposit
The final suspended sediment is deposited shoreward. Waves move through the WAD® system and die out approximately 3 feet behind the array.
Stability
Triangular, beveled openings supply a stabilizing current internally. Externally WAD® shape & staggered arrays force opposing WAD® corners to be extremely stable, even in extraordinary conditions such as hurricanes.
Why Deflection Often Fails
Conventional Breakwaters
Conventional barriers put a flat surface in front of oncoming waves to attempt to deflect wave energy. These obstructions use direct reflection & refraction on the leading edge of the device. The initial deflection has a temporary effect but it also causes a great deal of scouring behind the artificial breakwater, actually causing more erosion issues and habitat destruction.
The Solution Wave Attenuation Device (WAD®) Arrays
Image from Living Shoreline Solutions Audubon’s Sunken Island & Bird Island Sanctuary Restoration Project. Saving shorelines from erosion and developing a true natural habitat that mimics the natural environment for wildlife above and below the surface. The living shoreline helps keep the island intact for pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets, and spoonbills, among others. They are also pH neutral and designed for oysters, barnacles and other sessile organisms to attach immediately, which are food for fish and birds.
Conventional Breakwater
Typical severe scouring from deflection barriers. The constant circulation scallops out the shore and makes it extremely challenging for delicate seagrass and similar natural recovery to ever take hold. Hardaway, C., & Byrne, R. J. (1999) Shoreline Management In Chesapeake Bay
Scientifically Designed & Engineered Barrier Reef System.
The Solution WAD®s
Living Shoreline Solutions Inc. brings over 20 years of Research & Development, Peer-Reviewed, Fully Patented Technologies with Proven, Project success rates that are unprecedented in the Field. Our Wave Attenuation Devices (WAD®s) are the technology solution.
Durable
Every detail of the WAD® device & placement of WAD® Arrays has been meticulously tested and optimized to ensure extreme stability in all installed projects. Real-life experience has been the real test; everything from tremendously unstable muddy swamp bottoms to hurricanes, our variety of devices, and complete, site-specific, pre-installation research has withstood every challenge.
Portable
Because they are so structurally sound; individual WAD®s or complete arrays can be relocated to enhance and continue to improve from the initial installation or achieve new goals set for a particular site. We have clients that have relocated to continue beach extension and shore recapture and another that went from erosion mitigation to a recreational snorkeling reef.
Productive
WAD®s provide oxygen-rich environment that greatly accelerates marine biomass development. Optimized, hydrodynamic design and the resulting cyclonic flow of micronutrient-rich water produces an “up welling” of rich biomass, creating a food source for the feeding fish, shellfish, and sub-surface plant development.
Measured, nearly 5 Metric tons of Biomass Production per 10 Square Meter surface area, annually. (Rodney Garner, Executive Summary on Fish Haven Productivity (GCMarSt) Queensland Australia.
Custom
Site-Specific Modeling. We provide a comprehensive suite of surveys, analytics, and analysis to determine the best configuration for your shoreline solution.