ARPEC: A novel staggered perforated permeable caisson breakwater for wave absorption and harbour flushing

Abstract

Perforated multichamber caisson breakwaters are widely used for deep water harbour protection from waves, causing a partial dissipation of wave energy, hence reducing wave reflection. The innovative patented geometry presented in this paper, the ARPEC, is an Anti Reflection PErmeable Caisson breakwater that allows a significant wave energy dissipation and a hydraulic connection between the sea side and the port side by means of a labyrinthine pattern of offset openings in all external and internal walls. The hydraulic response of this innovative structure is evaluated by means of both 2D physical and numerical models. It is shown that, when compared with traditional impermeable perforated caissons, the marginal increase of wave transmission (CT=HT/HI in the approximate range of 0.1–0.2, varying with wave period) is compensated by a slight reduction of wave reflection (CR=HR/HI in the approximate range of 0.3–0.6, varying with wave period) and by an enhanced water circulation in the sheltered basin, which is beneficial for flushing of microtidal harbours.