Abstract
The need for climate-mitigating shoreline installations is escalating in coastal cities, particularly in Florida. Coastal Miami-Dade County lies right at sea level and as such, one of the principal threats to the city is sea level rise from Biscayne Bay. However, many gray (cement-based) solutions to the climate crisis are unsustainable, costly, and reduce species composition in the areas in which they are implemented (Gittman, 2016). On the other hand, green (nature-based) solutions like natural living shorelines may not always be viable on their own. Merging green and gray infrastructure offers a structural solution to erosion while supporting a healthy native ecosystem that promotes longevity of the installation (Gittman, 2016).
One of the many climate mitigating projects that may prove advantageous in the case of Miami-Dade County is the adoption of a green/gray riprap alternative. This report examined the framework around riprap and how facets of it vary in different case studies around the world. The report introduced the SEAHIVE system which is a marine and estuarine revetment system under research and development at the University of Miami, discussed its installation potential, and concluded in a synthesis of material. It was determined that the most ideal features involved in the development of a riprap project included pre-assembly, a hexagonal shape, clustering, incorporation of a rough surface area, utilization of jute or heavy plastic geotextile if needed, BFRP or GFRP as ideal rebar material, coverage in natural colors, and utilization of eco-friendly concrete or similar materials in order to maximize efficiency and the sustainability factor. As limited text exists on this matter, the goal of this project was to explore SEAHIVE paradigm, serving as a guide for future green and gray climate mitigating infrastructure design.