Adaptation works to avoid the flooding of Piazza San Marco (Venice): Physical model tests to evaluate overtopping discharge

According to the management of the Mo.S.E. system, the water level in the Venetian lagoon is maintained below a certain threshold, that however does not guarantee the complete defense of the main Piazza. Flooding of the Piazza is presently tolerated, although limitedly to a minor extent, and can/will be avoided only thanks to additional adaptation works. One of the possible flooding mechanisms is the wave overtopping, and this note investigates the efficiency, as possible mitigation option, of a small temporary barrier placed along the S. Marco quay.