Execution of an artificial beach and respective complementary infrastructures (Madeira Island - Machico)

Abstract

The present study aims to create an artificial beach in the municipality of Machico, as well as its complementary infrastructures, located on the south-eastern coast, in the municipality of Machico (Madeira Island). Machico´s beach sand consists of a mixture of black volcanic sand and round basalt stones. Usually, it has clear waters and a quiet sea. This beach also has a mooring infrastructure, thus allowing access to the sea. To achieve this study's main goals, it was initially carried out an extensive review and bibliographic research. Subsequently, a sand beach and its shelter groins were simulated and designed to hypothetically promote the retention of the sand and mitigate the tidal effects. In addition to model the beach dynamics, an extensive characterization of the extreme maritime regime was performed. A descriptive memory, a set of project execution plans, the construction contract documents/special technical conditions, the corresponding budget, and the Health and Safety Plan, were elaborated to complement this project. Some final remarks and conclusions were then presented, as well as some future projects that should be developed to deepen the knowledge of its main subjects.