Investigating the performance of berms in rubble mound breakwater

Abstract

The results of a comprehensive study on the hydraulic performance of rock armoured rubble mound breakwaters are presented. Based on an extensive literature review, results from selected previous investigations were re-analyzed following which, the scope of a major hydraulic model study of a large scale was developed and implemented. The results from the hydraulic model study were compared with similar studies reviewed to arrive at conclusions on the hydraulic performance of rock armoured rubble mound structures with emphasis on the use of a berm for a greater efficiency with respect to energy dissipation. In this study, a large scale model of a rock armoured rubble mound berm breakwater was tested to obtain a complete profile of energy transformation resulting from wave-structure interaction. Attention was focused on achieving reliable estimates of wave reflection and direct measurements of wave transmission as such information are essential for the evaluation of energy dissipation. In addition, two other structures were investigated to assess their hydraulic performance under extreme wave conditions. In all the structures considered, the hydraulic performance was presented in relation to the wave conditions, structural geometry and water depth.