Hydrodynamic performance of multiple-row slotted breakwaters

Abstract

This study examines the hydrodynamic performance of multiple-row vertical slotted breakwaters. We developed a mathematical model based on an eigenfunction expansion method and a least squares technique for Stokes second-order waves. The numerical results obtained for limiting cases of double-row and triple-row walls are in good agreement with results of previous studies and experimental results. Comparisons with experimental measurements of the reflection, transmission, and dissipation coefficients (CR, CT, and CE) for double-row walls show that the proposed mathematical model adequately reproduces most of the important features. We found that for double-row walls, the CR increases with increasing wave number, kd, and with a decreasing permeable wall part, dm. The CT follows the opposite trend. The CE slowly increases with an increasing kd for lower kd values, reaches a maximum, and then decreases again. In addition, an increasing porosity of dm would significantly decrease the CR, while increasing the CT. At lower values of kd, a decreasing porosity increases the CE, but for high values of kd, a decreasing porosity reduces the CE. The numerical results indicate that, for triple-row walls, the effect of the arrangement of the chamber widths on hydrodynamic characteristics is not significant, except when kd 0.5, where by the horizontal wave force may be smaller than that of a single wall. On the other hand, the difference between double-row and triple-row vertical slotted breakwaters is marginal.