Abstract

Abstract
This paper is concerned with the effect of sediment accumulation on shore platform development. Boulder accumulations are common on the granitic shore platforms of Galicia, northwestern Spain. Boulders are produced by erosion of shore platforms and of cliffs consisting of cold-climate deposits from the last glacial period. Measurements were made of the long axis length of more than 800 boulders, and additionally of the short and intermediate axes of 340 of these boulders, as well as of their orientation and gradient. There were two study areas. The boulders on the Barbanza Peninsula are generally a little smaller than those in southern Galicia with, respectively; mean long axis lengths of 0.98 and 1.14, and masses of 1.06 and 1.59 t. There are also some isolated, very coarse boulders and megaclasts in southern Galicia. The distribution and extent of the deposits and boulder imbrication and orientation testify to the high levels of wave energy produced by northwesterly and westerly storms in this region. Although the boulders, as well as the underlying shore platforms, were inherited, in part, from previous interglacial stages, some boulder detachment and movement is occurring today during storms, when significant deep water wave heights exceed 8 to 10 m. Despite some abrasion of the shore platforms, the primary effect of large boulder accumulations is protective. The role of sediment on shore platforms has been neglected, but this study suggests that because of arrested development under thick accumulations, platform gradient in areas with abundant sediment increases with the grain size of the material. The occurrence and type of sediment on shore platforms may therefore help to explain the distribution of sloping and subhorizontal platforms under different morphogenic and geological conditions.

Abstract
This work introduces the coastal geo-engineering issues for a suitable selection and geomaterial characterisation of quarries. The development of the research had two main phases: (i) the field survey, applied cartography and inspection of maritime structures and (ii) the geological and geotechnical quarry assessment. This study reports results from the second phase which comprises the evaluation of quarries and the identification of potential areas for the extraction of armourstone with quality and availability to supply maritime structures. It was proposed a zoning of the NW Portugal region and taken into account some features like the land use, urban and settlement plans, geological setting, geotechnical and geomechanical description/typification of the rock masses. 459 quarries were identified, georeferenced and distributed in a total area of 14.010km2. More than 200 sites were selected, characterised and included in the GIS database project with interactive support (e.g. hyperlinks for the datasheets, photos or essential information). A total area of 4,1% was calculated, including relevant geological conditions and comprising existent quarries (active/inactive) or new places (suitable or predictable areas). A multidisciplinary perspective must be adopted providing a cost-effective method useful to the incorporation of important concepts (durability and integrity) in geo-monitoring coastal plans and highlighting GIS coastal projects.

Abstract
This study was carried out to improve diagnosis and prediction of geomaterials status from coastal protection structures. A methodology is proposed for the characterization of rock materials and management of the structures. The characterization was organized in different phases: i) visual inspection; ii) field techniques to study geologic-geotechnical features; iii) in situ measurement of geomechanical parameters; and iv) development of GIS-based mapping and assessment of the block materials. The results obtained allowed to define a geotechnical zonation for the structure armor layer, according to the type of geomaterial source, weathering/degradation grade and geomechanical rebound values. The GIS project developed, combined an applied cartography of the groins' superficial layer with the results of the field techniques. The interactive base included the pilot case presented in this work, from Espinho coastal area (NW Portugal, Iberian Peninsula), which comprises four different sectors. The results of this work, support the need to apply geomechanic concepts to coastal structures, since they allow the evaluation of deterioration levels and improve the planning of intervention works. This methodology contributes to ameliorate the efficiency of monitoring and maintenance, in an economically beneficial mode. © ISRM International Symposium on Rock Mechanics, SINOROCK 2009.

Abstract
This study was carried out to develop a systematic methodology for the analysis of coastal protection structures in a GIS database project. This work contributes to ameliorate the efficiency of monitoring and maintenance, in an economically beneficial mode. Low-level aerial surveys were conducted from a light aircraft, providing high-resolution digital images Suitable for armour layer integrity analysis. Combining photogrammetric and field techniques, this research aims to define an applied cartography for geomaterials characterisation in hydraulic works. This research comprehends different phases: i) Visual inspection; ii) field techniques to study geologic-geotechnical features; iii) in situ measurement of geomechanical parameters; and iv) development of GIS mapping and assessment of the block materials. The GIS project incorporates high-resolution aerial imagery surveys and the results of the field techniques applied for the structures' cartography. The interactive base included the pilot case presented in this work, from Espinho coastal area (NW Portugal), which comprises five sectors. Based on the described methodology, different geomaterials were recognised, providing an evaluation of the current condition of the structure and the revetment material status. The results obtained allowed to define a geomaterial zonation for the structures' armour layer, according to the type of rock source, weathering/degradation grade and in situ, geomechanical tests. Also, the outcome established by these results indicates the need for repairing/maintenance works in some parts of the studied structures. This guidance may be helpful during pre-design or planning assessments, supported by coastal geoengineering concepts. It also generates useful knowledge for repairing recommendations and conceptual coastal management.

Abstract
Shoreline change in the Espinho area ( northwest Portugal) is a chronic problem. The present study takes advantage of geographical information system (GIS) tools to contribute to the knowledge of the geologic and geomorphological dynamics of the Espinho shoreline. A GIS-based monitoring project was compiled, which gathers information on all coastal works located along the Espinho shoreline, focusing especially on construction, monitoring, and repair aspects. Shoreline change was analyzed using the ArcGIS extension "Digital Shoreline Analysis System'' (DSAS) to understand this important aspect of coastal management. This work also emphasizes the importance of geotechnical assessment of coastal protection structures in diagnosing their degree of damage and/or deterioration so that one can plan more efficient maintenance works. Our results indicate a general trend of erosion to the south and accretion to the north of the Espinho coastal area. Geoengineering characterization of the Paramos groin defines three main zones for the armor block materials (i.e., Zones I, II/III, and IV), which show, respectively, very low, medium to high, and low deterioration levels.