Wave attenuation by using reed for bank protection

A literature survey has been conducted on wave attenuation by vegetation with emphasis on reed which has revealed that the influence of various parameters such as the number of reed stalks per unit horizontal area and the dynamic behaviour of the stalks is not known. The two analytical solutions found in this survey are based on linearized equations assuming small-amplitude waves. Comparison of experimental results with one of these solutions indicated that reed is more effective that a array of rigid cylinders. only one solution takes stalk motion into account. Additional experiments should be carried out to determine the structural damping and stiffness of the 'foundation' of the reed stalk. After developing a mathematical model to predict attenuation by reed which is based on the reed properties found, experiments can be carried out in small flexible plastic cylinders in a wave flume.