Wave Interaction with Berm Breakwaters

Abstract

Wave interaction with berm breakwaters is studied by means of a physical model and a numerical model. The physical-model tests have been used to verify the wave motion as calculated by the numerical model. The numerical model based on finite-amplitude shallow-water wave equations is capable of simulating the wave motion both on and inside the structure. This model for normally incident waves has been extended with a new morphological model for cross-structure transport, which resulted in a wave load-response model capable of simulating the reshaping process of the seaward slopes of dynamic coastal structures such as berm breakwaters and gravel beaches. The combined wave-morphological model has been verified with small-scale laboratory tests and with prototype data. Trends observed in physical model tests, such as the influence of wave height, wave period, and stone diameter on the reshaped seaward slopes, are also reproduced properly.