Designing of 3D Printable computationally generated submerged breakwater barriers for erosion prevention and marine life preservation

The Albanian coastline in recent years has been dramatically affected by coastal erosion. Numbers show that out of 427km of coastline, more than 1/3 of it, 154km have suffered damage from erosion in recent years. The main reasons behind this are: the uncontrolled exploiting of riverbeds for construction materials which results in less sediments deposited on sea and the private interventions in the form of moles or breakwaters built by the private sector. This paper aims to provide a solution to the coastal erosion problem in Albania in the form 3D printed submerged breakwater barriers proposed as an intervention in the area of Bask-Rjoll. Reef Balls ™ are submerged breakwaters barriers and one of the most effective way to deal with problems of erosion while also boasting the ability to promote marine life growth. They have been largely used in the seadome shape mostly due to the fabrication processes being based in a concrete cast method. During this paper we offer a solution to designing a Reef Ball barrier in the Bask-Rjoll area in Shkodra. Therefore this paper will present a proposed case of applying submerged breakwaters along with presenting a computational method to generate the designs. 3D Printing is proposed as the production method of choice as it allows for a mass customization without the added costs but has not been tested. This solution can prove beneficial in dealing with erosion problems while also providing protection to touristic areas and promoting marine life growth.