Culturing coastal plants and animals for sustainable housing

Matt Byrum, Steve Hall, Jori Erdman, Jim Sullivan, Logan Harrell, Carrie Knott, Sarah Bertrand

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Louisiana, like many coastal areas, is losing land, with an estimated 1800 square miles of land loss in the last 80 years. This extensive land loss can be attributed to 3 main causes: subsidence (slow compaction of soil particles), erosion, and sea level rise. Coastal inhabitants are forced to acknowledge these factors and adapt their homes to a changing environment. This project focuses on developing more sustainable models for coastal habitation that are designed to resist degradation, thrive, and grow, by participating in the positive life cycles of the ecosystem. These homes will also aid in restoration of local deltaic environments. The current project aims to integrate bioengineered oyster reefs into the structure of coastal homes. These artificial reefs are currently being used as breakwater devices in some locations on Louisiana coast. As oysters (Crassostrea virginica) begin to grow on these reefs, their strength can increase by a factor of 10, providing a better, longer lasting foundation for the houses. The engineered reefs are made of a porous cement with biological additives, which allows water to flow through, causing more energy dissipation and sediment deposition. As sediment continues to deposit, growth of coastal plants such as Spartina alterniflora will help to maintain the structure of this new land. With these capabilities, homes will be more resistant to the impacts of coastal storms. Along with the use of the bioengineered oyster reefs, a coastal demonstration building has been designed and built using different techniques to resist storm impacts and improve energy efficiency. Integrating architecture, bioengineered structures and plant biology can enhance both individual habitations for humans as well as the coastal ecology, improving sustainability for all.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2014, ASABE 2014
Pages4144-4151
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781632668455
StatePublished - 2014
EventAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2014, ASABE 2014 - Montreal, Canada
Duration: Jul 13 2014Jul 16 2014

Publication series

NameAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2014, ASABE 2014
Volume6

Conference

ConferenceAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2014, ASABE 2014
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period7/13/147/16/14

Keywords

  • Artificial reef
  • Coastal plants
  • Coastal restoration
  • Crassostrea virginica
  • Oyster
  • Oyster reef

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
  • Mechanical Engineering

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