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At Armstrongs, our quarries produce a wide range of aggregate in various sizes and types of stone. Our largest aggregate is often used as rock armour, a critical component in coastal management and defence strategies.

In this guide, we’ll be explaining exactly what coastal management and defence is, as well as the role of aggregate within the industry. 

What is Coastal Management?

Coastal management involves the strategies and actions taken to protect coastal areas from natural and human-induced impacts such as erosion, flooding, and habitat loss. This is crucial for maintaining the balance between development and conservation along coastlines, ensuring the safety of communities and the sustainability of coastal environments.

The Role of Aggregate Industries in Coastal Management

Importance of Rock Armour

Rock armour consists of large boulders placed along shorelines to absorb and deflect the energy of waves. This method of coastal protection is a form of hard engineering that helps prevent coastal erosion and protect infrastructure.

The use of rock armour is beneficial because it provides long-term stability, requires minimal maintenance, and effectively protects against storm surges and wave action. By using large, durable aggregates, rock armour creates a resilient barrier that can withstand harsh coastal conditions.

The Quarrying Process at Armstrongs

At Armstrongs, the production of rock armour from our quarries involves a meticulous and well-planned process to ensure the highest quality materials for coastal management projects.

The process begins with careful planning and site preparation. We first identify the specific section of the quarry that contains the desired type of rock. Our team of experts then drills holes to the precise depth required for the extraction.These holes are strategically placed to ensure an efficient and controlled blast. 

Once the drilling is complete, explosives are placed into the holes. The type and amount of explosive used are calculated based on the volume of rock to be extracted and the desired size of the resulting fragments.

Safety is essential during this stage, and extensive precautions are taken to ensure a controlled and safe detonation.

When the explosives are triggered, the blast breaks the rock into manageable pieces, making it easier to transport and process. The blasting process is carefully monitored to minimise environmental impact and ensure the safety of our workers and surrounding communities.

Case Study: Rossall Coastal Defence Scheme

In 2018, Wyre Council partnered with the Environment Agency and Balfour Beatty to deliver the  £63m Rossall Coastal Defence Scheme. The scheme was designed for the next 100 years to hold back the Irish Sea during major storms, providing better protection to the town’s tramway, hospital and schools whilst reducing flood risk to 7,500 homes.

Contractor Balfour Beatty reached out to Armstrongs to provide the rock armour that would replace two kilometres of sea defences from Rossall Hospital to Rossall Point.

327,000 tonnes of rock armour was used to create the base of the defences, to weather the harsh conditions on this exposed part of the coastline and allow the beach to build up in the area. 

Here’s what Balfour Beatty had to say about the project:

“Armstrongs Group has worked closely with the Balfour Beatty delivery team on the Rossall Coastal Defence Scheme, supplying rock armour and other structural aggregates. Armstongs provided hands-on support and customer service that is second to none. They work hard, managing and complying with all our extensive health and safety requirements and providing a quality product, on time and at a fair and reasonable rate.”

Current Projects: Wyre Beach Management Scheme

Following the success of the Rossall Coastal Defence Scheme, Wyre Council announced the latest Wyre Beach Management Scheme; is a project aimed at protecting over 11,000 properties along the Fleetwood coastline from the risk of flooding. 

Wyre Council once again contracted the work to Balfour Beatty, who returned to Armstrongs for the quarried stone to use for the project.

Recently, we invited teams from both Wyre Council and Balfour Beatty to witness the blast that would produce the rock armour at our Quarry in Shap, which has unique light and dark pink granite. Check out the blast in our video here:

Coastal Management Strategies

Hard Engineering Coastal Management

Hard engineering coastal management involves constructing physical structures to protect coastlines from the impacts of erosion and flooding. These structures include seawalls, groynes, and breakwaters, which are designed to absorb and deflect the energy of waves. 

Aggregates play a crucial role in these solutions, providing the necessary materials to build robust and durable defences. For instance, rock armour, made from large aggregates, is used to create breakwaters and revetments that protect shorelines and infrastructure from wave action and storm surges.

Soft Engineering Coastal Management Strategies

Soft engineering strategies focus on working with natural processes to manage and protect coastlines. Examples include beach nourishment, dune restoration, and the creation of salt marshes.

Long-Term Benefits of Sea Defence Projects

Implementing sustainable coastal management practices offers numerous long-term benefits. These practices help protect communities and infrastructure from the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and increased storm frequency. 

Sustainable strategies also enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems, providing essential services such as flood protection, water purification, and habitat for marine life. By aiding in coastal management, we ensure the continued protection and prosperity of coastal regions for future generations.

FAQs about Coastal Management

What is coastal management?

Coastal management involves the strategies and actions taken to protect coastal areas from natural and human-induced impacts such as erosion, flooding, and habitat loss. It ensures the safety of communities and the sustainability of coastal environments.

What are the main types of coastal management strategies?

The main types of coastal management strategies include hard engineering (e.g., seawalls, breakwaters), soft engineering (e.g., beach nourishment, dune restoration), and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), which combines ecological, economic, social, and cultural considerations.

How does rock armour help in coastal protection?

Rock armour consists of large boulders placed along shorelines to absorb and deflect the energy of waves. It helps prevent coastal erosion and protect infrastructure by creating a durable barrier against storm surges and wave action.

What are the benefits of sustainable coastal management?

Sustainable coastal management practices help protect communities and infrastructure from climate change impacts, enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems, and provide essential services such as flood protection and habitat for marine life.

How does Armstrongs contribute to coastal management projects?

Armstrongs provides high-quality rock armour and aggregates for coastal defence projects. We support sustainable practices and community-led initiatives, ensuring that our contributions align with environmental and social goals.