In fact just one-tenth of a millimeter difference can double fill requirements. Coastal engineers and coastal geologists are pleased when their geotechnical investigations locate sand of the same or coarser grain size in nearby borrow areas to place on the beach. This keeps the quantity and cost of construction down and the clients happy. Finer sands can also be used but quantities must be increased for good performance. It is sometimes hard to estimate just how much extra fine sand is needed to do the job.
Extra sand means extra cost and less happy clients.
Bad beach performance further decreases happiness levels. If Mr. Macho would take courses in coastal engineering and marine geology, he could examine the sand before entering the water and impress the girls with his knowledge of the beach dynamics and his sensitivity to the rhythms of nature. The San Diego Regional Sand Project, a major milestone for the San Diego region, started April 6. The project will place a total of 2 million cubic yards of sand at 12 beaches located throughout the 60-mile regional coastline to counter serious beach erosion problems. The project is expected to be completed this August or September.