An Experimental Study of Effects of Water Depth on Wave Scattering and Motion Responses of a Moored Floating Breakwater in Regular Waves

Abstract

Due to the mobility and low costs, floating breakwaters have been frequently considered as alternatives for protecting marinas and harbors from wave attacks. Main advantages of using floating breakwaters include (i) the exchange of water between a harbor and ocean, and (ii) an adjustable elevation varying with tidal levels. When floating breakwaters are used in shallow water environments (during low tides), the presence of seabed may affect the dynamics of the floating breakwaters. In the present study, a series of experiments were carried out in a wave flume of 1.5m wide and 45m long to study the effects of water depth on the performance of a moored floating breakwater. An inertial measurement unit mounted on the breakwater measures the motion responses. The wave reflection and transmission coefficients and the responses of the breakwater to regular waves are presented for four difference water depths.