Numerical simulation of solitary wave run-up and overtopping using Boussinesq-type model

Abstract

In this article, the use of a high-order Boussinesq-type model and sets of laboratory experiments in a large scale flume of breaking solitary waves climbing up slopes with two inclinations are presented to study the shoreline behavior of breaking and non-breaking solitary waves on plane slopes. The scale effect on run-up height is briefly discussed. The model simulation capability is well validated against the available laboratory data and present experiments. Then, serial numerical tests are conducted to study the shoreline motion correlated with the effects of beach slope and wave nonlinearity for breaking and non-breaking waves. The empirical formula proposed by Hsiao et al. for predicting the maximum run-up height of a breaking solitary wave on plane slopes with a wide range of slope inclinations is confirmed to be cautious. Furthermore, solitary waves impacting and overtopping an impermeable sloping seawall at various water depths are investigated. Laboratory data of run-up height, shoreline motion, free surface elevation and overtopping discharge are presented. Comparisons of run-up, run-down, shoreline trajectory and wave overtopping discharge are made. A fairly good agreement is seen between numerical results and experimental data. It elucidates that the present depth-integrated model can be used as an efficient tool for predicting a wide spectrum of coastal problems.