An improved method for calculating the wave run-up on a vertical cylinder based on the velocity stagnation head theory

Abstract

The estimation of wave run-up is a concern in the design of certain marine engineering structures. Accurate estimation of the wave run-up is important for the safety and cost of the structure. To better predict the wave run-up on structures, a series of physical experiments for wave run-up on vertical cylinder under regular waves and focusing waves were conducted in this study. The influences of the wave steepness kA, relative structural scale ka, and A/D on the wave run-up were analyzed. By fitting the experimental data, a semi-empirical formula that calculates the wave run-up, based on the velocity stagnation head theory, is proposed. In the improved formula, a second order theory is employed to calculate the wave velocity in the crest, and the two important factors, viz., the relative structural scale ka and A/D, are also considered. The formula was evaluated by utilizing certain experimental data in the literature, demonstrating that it can provide a satisfactory wave run-up prediction. Furthermore, the wave run-up on the cylinder under the focused waves was predicted by the new formula. It can predict it well as local wave steepness is small.