22 Jun 2026

Beach-fx Application Guide: A User’s Trail Guide to Beach-fx

Abstract: Beach-fx is a comprehensive analytical framework used for the evaluation of the physical performance and economic benefits of shore-protection projects related to beach nourishment. The model employs an event-driven Monte Carlo simulation of a project’s life cycle and tracks the physical and economic evolution of the beach. The computational architecture of Beach-fx is set up such that the model relies on external databases that are accessed at run time. There are three external databases: the Input Database (IDB), Output Database (ODB), and Shore Response Database (SRD). The IDB and SRD describe the coastal area under study, the environmental forcing that can impact the area, the structures in the area that are susceptible to damages, and estimates of the morphologic response to the environmental forcing. The ODB stores output data and statistics for each simulation. This document summarizes the steps necessary to prepare the external databases, build a Beach-fx study, and understand the results from model runs. The aim is to provide the Beach-fx user with a comprehensive guide that provides insight to the Beach-fx process from beginning to end.

13 May 2026

Beach-fx Version 3.0 User’s Manual

Abstract: The need to strengthen the linkages between engineering analyses (project performance and evolution) and planning functions (alternative analysis and economic justification) with respect to coastal storm damage reduction projects within the US Army Corps of Engineers led to the development of the life-cycle simulation model Beach-fx. Beach-fx provides a comprehensive analytical framework for evaluating the physical performance and economic benefits and costs of shore protection projects, particularly beach nourishment along sandy shores. The model has been implemented as an event-based Monte Carlo life-cycle simulation tool that is run on desktop computers. This report describes the components, purpose, and operational function of the Beach-fx graphical user interface, including navigation within the interface and the organization and specification of all model input and output data.

2 Dec 2024

Adaptive Hydraulics 2D Shallow Water (AdH-SW2D) User’s Manual (Version 4.7.1): Guidelines for Solving 2D Shallow Water Problems with the Adaptive Hydraulics Modeling System

Abstract: Guidelines are presented for using the US Army Corps of Engineers Adaptive Hydraulics modeling software to model 2D shallow water problems. Constituent (nonsediment) transport is also included in this document. Sediment transport instructions are contained in a supplemental user’s guide.

8 Apr 2024

Coastal Modeling System User’s Manual

Abstract: The Coastal Modeling System (CMS) is a suite of coupled 2D numerical models for simulating nearshore waves, currents, water levels, sediment transport, morphology change, and salinity and temperature. Developed by the Coastal Inlets Research Program of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the CMS provides coastal engineers and scientists a PC-based, easy-to-use, accurate, and efficient tool for understanding of coastal processes and for designing and managing of coastal inlets research, navigation projects, and sediment exchange between inlets and adjacent beaches. The present technical report acts as a user guide for the CMS, which contains comprehensive information on model theory, model setup, and model features. The detailed descriptions include creation of a new project, configuration of model grid, various types of boundary conditions, representation of coastal structures, numerical methods, and coupled simulations of waves, hydrodynamics, and sediment transport. Pre- and postmodel data processing and CMS modeling procedures are also described through operation within a graphic user interface—the Surface Water Modeling System.

3 May 2022

Sediment Budget Analysis System (SBAS) 2020 User’s Guide: Version 1.0

Abstract: This special report acts as a user’s guide for the Sediment Budget Analysis System (SBAS) toolbox within ArcGIS Pro. The SBAS toolbox is a free toolset that allows the user to create and visualize a sediment budget using ArcGIS Pro. Included in this report are instructions on how to download the toolbox and create a sediment budget.