Experiments and computations of solitary-wave forces on a coastal-bridge deck. Part II: Deck with girders

Abstract

Solitary wave-induced forces on a two-dimensional model of a coastal bridge are investigated by conducting laboratory experiments and performing CFD computations. Experimental parameters included four water depths, five wave amplitudes, four submergence depths and three elevations above the still-water level (SWL), for a total of 118 cases. Submergence depths and elevations are chosen such that the bridge model may be fully submerged, partially inundated or fully elevated above the SWL. Euler's equations are solved by use of the CFD program OpenFOAM to compute the wave forces. It is found that the forces calculated by OpenFOAM are in close agreement with the laboratory measurements in most cases. The effect of formation of entrapped air pockets on the wave forces is studied by including air pressure relief openings on the deck of the model. This paper is a companion to Part I under the same title. The forces on the deck with girders are compared with those on the flat plate (given in Part I) to examine the role of girders on the forces. The solitary wave forces are further studied computationally by changing the number of girders in different submergence depths.