DESIGN OF HURRICANE FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS ON THE UPPER TEXAS COAST

Abstract

One of the recurring natural phenomena that causes enormous damages in the destruction of property and loss of lives on the upper Texas Gulf coast is the tropical hurricane. The terrific wind velocities, overflowing tide surges and tremendous waves that accompany these disturbances are overwhelming in their devastating effects on manmade structures. In 1955> the Congress of the United States directed that a comprehensive study be made of hurricanes on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts and of means for protecting coastal areas from their destructive effects. Under this authorization, the Corps of Engineers has made extensive studies of hurricane behavior and frequency and of means of preventing loss of human lives and damages to property. The Weather Bureau cooperated fully in the studies of hurricane characteristics and phenomena. This paper concerns the studies and the design of protective, structures at Texas City on the upper Texas coast. The location of Texas City with respect to the Gulf of Mexico is shown on figure 1.