Hard engineering

Hard engineering refers to man-made structures built to control or prevent natural forces, such as water or erosion, from damaging land or property. Examples include sea walls, rock armour, groynes, and dams. These structures are designed to protect coastlines, riverbanks, or bridges from the power of waves, tides, or flowing water, helping to reduce flood risk and land erosion. While effective in safeguarding specific areas, hard engineering can sometimes have negative environmental impacts and may require ongoing maintenance. Overall, it’s a proactive approach to managing natural processes to protect human interests and infrastructure.