The Shade Curtain Barrier

Abstract

Low-lying, densely-populated coastal areas across the world are under threat of hurricane-induced floods. This is the case in, among others, the Galveston Bay Area. In response to this threat the USACE (United States Corps of Engineers) recommended a plan to reduce the risk of flooding, through a range of measures to form a resilient coast of Texas. This plan includes a storm surge barrier at Bolivar Roads in Galveston Bay, whilst the other inlet at San Luis Pass remains open for environmental reasons. Leaving the San Luis Pass open still results in a significant rise in the water level of Galveston Bay, so finding a way to close the San Luis Pass is preferred. Therefore, this thesis researches a barrier for the San Luis Pass to contribute to a resilient Texan coast whilst also taking the local natural habitat into account. The methodology combines the concept of 'Building with Nature' and the civil engineering design method. The methodology incorporates the flood safety, ecological values, and socio-economic aspect into the design process. A conventional storm surge barrier does not fulfill all the requirements and criteria for the San Luis Pass. This research thus proposes a new, innovative type of storm surge barrier: The Shade Curtain Barrier. The shade curtain barrier functions by being rolled down in extreme conditions and stored under the bridge under normal conditions. The two main advantages are that no bottom protection is required and the view is hardly disrupted. Concluding, the shade curtain barrier is a promising solution for a storm surge barrier at the San Luis Pass to contribute to a resilient Texas coast.