Applications of side-scan sonar for inspecting coastal structures were evaluated. Results were based on 6 years of structure inspections, including structures on the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf, and Great Lakes coasts of the United States. Most of the structures inspected were jetties and breakwaters; however, applications for vertical wall structures and dredged material disposal sites are presented. Applications discussed include reconnaissance, inspection, and monitoring. Side-scan sonar is most useful as a reconnaissance and inspection tool, allowing long sections of coastal structures to be viewed quickly, at relatively low cost. Operational and interpretation techniques are discussed. Other supplementary tools and techniques, divers, ROU's, and sediment samples are often needed to verify questionable side-scan images. Presently, only qualitative monitoring, such as toe failures and slope changes, is possible using side-scan sonar.

Source: https://erdc-library.erdc.dren.mil/jspui/