Evaluated Head of Rubble Mound Breakwater Stability with Experimental under Irregular Waves

Abstract

Wave overtopping happens when the crest of the breakwater is lowered below the maximum water surface elevation. Thus the estimation of the head of rubble mound breakwater stability of wave overtopping has become an essential part of the design of breakwaters. Head of rubble mound conditions within Busan Harbor are influenced by a range of factors, including wave overtopping, tidal exchange with near shore waters outside the harbor, the pattern of flow and circulation within the harbor, surface discharge from surrounding lands during heavy rainfall events. This research focused on comparing the wave overtopping data measured at the laboratory model tests of the double layer Tetrapod (16 and 20 Ton) effects on head of rubble mound stability. The model tests showed that the overtopping volume increases with the increase of wave height, decrease of freeboard and size of tetrapod. Consequently head of rubble mound in medium case of overtopping were suitable for design.