WSP Water Solutions

Coastal Modeling and Analysis 

Rowes Wharf Coastal Flood Analysis JLL | Boston, Massachusetts

Wellington Avenue Resiliency Project New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection | Ventnor City and Atlantic City, New Jersey

Monroe County Breakwater Restoration and Living Shoreline Stabilization Monroe County | Monroe County, Florida ■ Advanced coastal modeling ■ Resilient design development ■ Climate-adaptive solutions WSP is partnering with Monroe County to address ongoing coastal erosion exacerbated by recent hurricanes and intensified rainfall events. The project focuses on designing resilient shoreline stabilization measures, including living shorelines and breakwaters, to mitigate future storm impacts and enhance coastal durability. As part of the effort, coastal modeling was conducted using Delft-3D to analyze shoreline dynamics and identify critical areas requiring intervention. Design development followed guidance from US Army Corps of Engineers Manuals and the Rock Manual to determine appropriate crest elevations, riprap sizing and layer thicknesses tailored to site-specific conditions. These technical evaluations informed the selection and configuration of stabilization features that balance ecological enhancement with structural integrity. The team is also exploring nature-based solutions to support long-term sustainability and habitat restoration. WSP continues to collaborate closely with County stakeholders to refine design strategies and ensure alignment with regulatory standards and community resilience goals.

■ Critical evacuation route protection ■ Advanced flow and wave modeling ■ Design decision support

■ Site-specific coastal modeling ■ Comparative flood risk assessment ■ Development of asset inventory and catalog of solutions WSP provided coastal flood modeling, data analysis and resilience planning advisory services for Rowes Wharf, a landmark waterfront property in Boston. Our team assessed observed tidal data against projections, then analyzed the frequency and severity of flood events over a 50-year horizon. We aligned our analysis with Climate Ready Boston projections and conducted comparative reviews of tidal datums and sea level trends from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Using projected return periods for extreme water levels, we developed a phased implementation strategy to guide capital planning. Technical modeling included a 2-D MIKE model for storm surge and sea level rise scenarios, a 3D Flow3D HYDRO model to simulate wave pressures and shear stresses on building structures, and a 2-D Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model to improve inland stormwater drainage. A site survey and asset inventory informed a catalog of flood protection and climate adaptation strategies, delivered in reports and brochures. WSP evaluates funding programs and incentives to support future implementation and long-term resilience.

WSP is leading a coastal analysis of Wellington Avenue/West End Avenue, a vital evacuation route straddling Ventnor City and Atlantic City, New Jersey. To assess flood risk and inform roadway elevation design, our team developed advanced flow and wave models using Delft-3D software. The wave model, powered by SWAN, incorporated wind and offshore wave data to simulate peak wave heights across return periods. The flow model used tidal data to determine still water elevations. This dual-model approach enabled us to evaluate inundation scenarios both with and without wave action. Our findings show the proposed roadway is protected from inundation up to the 25-year storm under still water conditions and the 2-year storm with wave action. This analysis equips our client with smart insights to design a resilient corridor that supports community safety and climate adaptation.

Page 57