Abstract

The correct calculation of forces and moments caused by wave action over crown wall structures is critical for their design. There are several existing equations for this, some of which are sanctioned in practice as it is the case for Jensen (1984) and Bradbury et al. (1998), Günback and Gökce (1984), Martin et al. (1999), Berenguer and Baonza (2006), and Pedersen (1996) and Nørgaard et al. (2013). These equations are the main tool for the design of breakwater crown walls and their accuracy is crucial to ensure the stability of the crown wall, especially when considering the sea level rise due to climate change and the possible damage of the armor, since both aspects are not usually considered in most original design studies. In a scenario of climate change, it is very important to estimate the possible changes in security factors due to both these aspects, comparing the results with the original design ones. This paper has as main objective to analyze it for the case study of Ericeira rubble mound breakwater in Portugal. For this, a comparison of the results using those equations and different scenarios including the current, considering sea level rise and armor damage, were performed to extract some conclusions: the increase in the sea level in the case study was not significant and therefore its incidence is very small; and the damage to the main armor by losing pieces at the berm is much more important in this case study, so it is essential to carry out the proper maintenance of the design section. On the other hand, horizontal forces are more conservative using Pedersen and Nørgaard equations, obtaining the lowest value with Martin. Regarding uplift pressures, Martin gives the lowest value, while the most conservative values are given by Günbak and Gökce’s for two scenarios, and Pedersen and Nørgaard for the other two scenarios. Furthermore, the sliding safety coefficient is more conditioning than overturning the safety coefficient in all the scenarios.

Highlights

  • Rubble mound breakwaters are coastal structures that play a fundamental role in creating safety conditions in ports by reducing sea agitation in their sheltered areas

  • This paper summarizes the results of forces and moments in crown wall superstructures due to wave conditions considering some of the equations sanctioned by practice: (1) Jensen (1984) and Bradbury et al (1998); (2) Günback and Gökce (1984); (3) Martin et al

  • For the application of Jensen and Bradbury equations to the case study, it was necessary to associate the geometry of the P-P profile to the geometry of one of the type sections tested by the authors

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Summary

Introduction

Rubble mound breakwaters are coastal structures that play a fundamental role in creating safety conditions in ports by reducing sea agitation in their sheltered areas. They enable favorable conditions for the permanence and berthing of ships and small boats and can contribute to the non-accumulation of sediment, responsible for the conditioning of navigation. Filters are installed between the core and the armor to prevent core material to escape through the gaps in the armor pieces Another important part in rubble mound breakwater is the crown wall, installed in its upper part

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