Water and erosion damage to coastal structures: South Carolina Coast, Hurricane Hugo, 1989

Hurricane Hugo hit U.S. Mainland on September 21, 1989 just north of Charleston, South Carolina. It was billed as the most costly hurricane on record. The loss on the mainland alone exceeded 7 billion dollars, more than 15,000 homes were destroyed and the loss of lives exceeded forty. This article documents one aspect of the multi-destructions caused by the hurricane - the water and erosion damage on water front or near water front properties. A general damage survey was given first, followed by assessment on the performance of various engineered and non-engineering structures, on the major factors contributing to failures. Conclusions were then drawn with recommendations for future improvement. (26pp.