Identification and classification of the wave impacts on the vertical wall with overhanging horizontal slab

Abstract

How to use the measured wave pressures and forces from the experiments for marine structures design need to consider the scale effect and structural dynamic response, both of which are sensitive to different wave impact types. Yet, seldom study focuses on how frequently different wave impact types occur. Based on the wave pressure measurements of vertical wall with overhanging horizontal slab, this research aims to identify and classify different kinds of wave impacts, and investigate the influences of wave conditions and structural geometry on the occurring percentages of different wave impact types. It found the wave conditions had less effect on the probabilities of different wave impact types, while the decrease in overhanging horizontal slab and increase in structural clearance can improve the percentage of impulsive kinds of wave impacts. For the vertical wall part, the impulsive wave impacts were largely dominant on the region above the water surface. Additionally, the influences of wave conditions and structure geometry were further quantified on the magnitude of wave impacts and corresponding empirical formulas were proposed. This study contributes to understanding of different factors that affect the occurrence intensity of different wave impact types.