Optimizing Coastal Barriers with Crushable Granular Materials in India

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name: Adaptive Coastal Barriers: Optimizing Energy Dissipation Through Engineered Crushable Granular Materials Using FEM-DEM Coupled Simulations

Coastal erosion is accelerating due to rising sea levels and intensifying weather, threatening infrastructure and communities.

This project explores innovative wave barriers composed of crushable materials that absorb and dissipate wave energy.

Engineered for low maintenance and long-term adaptability, it offers a scalable, climate resilient solution to protect vulnerable coastlines, advancing sustainable development and supporting disaster risk reduction in high-exposure regions facing increasing environmental stress.

reduction in wave force
using engineered granular
barriers
0 %
India’s coastline
vulnerable to erosion
0 %

Impact and Key Findings

1

This project safeguards coastlines from rising seas and storms using adaptive, crushable materials that absorb and dissipate wave energy, minimizing erosion and structural damage while enhancing long-term coastal safety and climate resilience.

2

It provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance alternative to sea walls, using self-adjusting crushable materials that adapt to shifting coastal stressors, minimizing structural fatigue and enhancing resilience, longevity, and climate adaptability in vulnerable shoreline environments.

3

The solution harnesses locally sourced materials to construct durable coastal defences, safeguarding communities and assets in erosion-prone areas. Its scalable design promotes long-term safety, structural stability, and sustainable shoreline protection.

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.