Groynes
Groynes in coastal engineering (CIRIA C793), published by CIRIA in 2020, defines a groyne as a: ‘Narrow, roughly shore-perpendicular structure built to reduce or divert longshore currents and/or to trap and retain beach material. Most groynes are of timber or rock, and extend from a seawall, or the backshore, well onto the foreshore and rarely even further offshore.
It defines groyne efficiency as: ‘The fraction of the unconstrained instantaneous longshore sediment transport past a groyne which is retained by the groyne. This efficiency may reduce with time as the groyne deteriorates or as the groyne bay fills.’
Where a groyne bay is the compartment between two groynes.
And a terminal groyne as the: 'Last groyne at the downdrift end of a groyne field. This groyne will need to be a substantial structure to remain stable given the (potentially significant) erosion downdrift.'
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.