Wave interaction with T-type breakwaters

Abstract

The wave transmission, reflection and energy dissipation characteristics of partially submerged `T'-type breakwaters (Fig. 1 ) were studied using physical models. Regular and random waves, with wide ranges of wave heights and periods and a constant water depth were used. Five different depths of immersions of the `T'-type breakwater were selected. The coefficient of transmission, Kt, coefficient reflection, Kr, were obtained from the measurements and the coefficient of energy loss, Kl is calculated using the law of conservation of energy. It is found that the coefficient of transmission generally reduces with increased wave steepness and increased relative water depth, d/L. This breakwater is found to be effective closer to deep-water conditions. Kt values less than 0.35 is obtained for both normal and high input wave energy levels, when the horizontal barrier of the T type breakwater is immersed to about 7% of the water depth. This breakwater is also found to be very efficient in dissipating the incident wave energy to an extent of about 65% (i.e. Kl>0.8), especially for high input wave energy levels. The wave climate in front of the breakwater is also measured and studied.