Wave Interactions With Vertical Wave Barriers
Abstract
Vertical wave barriers, also known as vertical wall breakwaters, are designed to reduce the amount of wave energy behind the barrier to allow the safe mooring of vessels. These structures are constructed of wooden or concrete panels mounted to piles. The panels extend from above the water surface down to approximately mid-depth, leaving a gap near the sea floor. The existing procedures used to design vertical wave barriers remain essentially unchanged since 1960. These procedures produce uncertainties when used to predict transmitted wave height and wave loading (force) on the barriers; it is hoped that new approaches developed in this project may be adopted into modern design guidelines. The theoretical approach of this investigation involved modification of existing linear wave theory to account for the effects of reflected waves. This resulted in a new theory for both wave transmission and for wave forces on the barrier. Wave transmission and reflection and resultant forces were measured when a model wave barrier was subjected to regular and irregular (random) waves. Additionally, flow characteristics underneath the breakwater were measured. With the recorded data the new theories can be verified and substantial forward progress can be made in the design procedures for these barriers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA375699
Entities
People
- Chad A. Bollmann
Organizations
- United States Naval Academy