The aim of this note is to develop a method for describing the horizontal wave force applied to vertical breakwaters by breakers, accounting for the longitudinal extension of the caissons. The outcomes are based on the testing of a 1:100 model of a typical Italian caisson breakwater, subject to a multidirectional wave attack causing mainly spilling and occasionally plunging breakers. The breakwater is formed by 7 modules of different sizes, each instrumented by synchronized force cells. For over 3200 breakers, the force vs. time signal is fitted to a triangular shape and the parameters characterizing such fitting are statistically described, impulse (area) and total duration (length) resulting uncorrelated. Limited horizontal coherence of breaking waves induce a significant attenuation on the total wave force applied to the caisson and a reduction factor is derived which is function of the horizontal integration length. Eventually the proposed methods are applied to the vertical caissons of Punta Riso (Brindisi), showing that caissons 5 times longer than the existing ones would benefit from a 30% reduction of the breaking wave forces.
Coherence of pulsating and breaking wave forces on a vertical wall breakwater
MARTINELLI, LUCA;
2006
Abstract
The aim of this note is to develop a method for describing the horizontal wave force applied to vertical breakwaters by breakers, accounting for the longitudinal extension of the caissons. The outcomes are based on the testing of a 1:100 model of a typical Italian caisson breakwater, subject to a multidirectional wave attack causing mainly spilling and occasionally plunging breakers. The breakwater is formed by 7 modules of different sizes, each instrumented by synchronized force cells. For over 3200 breakers, the force vs. time signal is fitted to a triangular shape and the parameters characterizing such fitting are statistically described, impulse (area) and total duration (length) resulting uncorrelated. Limited horizontal coherence of breaking waves induce a significant attenuation on the total wave force applied to the caisson and a reduction factor is derived which is function of the horizontal integration length. Eventually the proposed methods are applied to the vertical caissons of Punta Riso (Brindisi), showing that caissons 5 times longer than the existing ones would benefit from a 30% reduction of the breaking wave forces.
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