Abstract

An investigation of seaward impulse loads on caisson breakwaters caused by wave overtopping is described.
Attention is focused on mechanisms that may cause such loads, and consideration given to implications for the
design of vertical breakwaters. A review of literature shows that there have been several reported cases of
seaward tilting of breakwater caissons. A description of the seaward failure of a prototype structure, apparently
resulting from overtopping, was also found. The measurements of seaward impulsive loads reported in the
literature do not show any case in which they are higher than associated landward forces. Physical model tests
that are described show overtopping of a low crest breakwater in which the maximum seaward force is greater
than the maximum force acting towards the land. A theoretical model for the pressure impulse generated by the
re-entry of the overtopping plume is given. Comparison with physical model data shows that, for these
experiments, pressure in the air pocket trapped during overtopping contributes significantly to the impulse. When
this effect is included, good agreement is obtained between experiment and theory. It is concluded that seaward
overturning should be considered as a failure mode of caisson breakwater designs that allow overtopping,
particularly for structures of relatively low mass

(1) improve the understanding of overtopping, including effects of different types of wave
breaking; and (2) improve prediction methods for wave overtopping discharges and velocities,
and extend/validate suggested limits to acceptable overtopping. The paper restates and
extends the advice of the Environmental Agency (EA) overtopping manual by applying new
information and advice where appropriate.

bstract: This paper discusses wave processes that happen after a wave has impacted on a
coastal structure. The paper gives, for the first time, measurements of the throw of
overtopping waves at vertical seawalls / breakwaters, including their velocity /
trajectory, and the loadings that result when overtopping water lands back onto the
deck of the structure.

The OVI project is a collaboration between me at Bristol University and Alison Hunt, Geoff Bullock and Ravi
Jayaratne at Plymouth University. We are studying violent wave impacts and their overtopping over vertical and
sloping walls. We make use of focused wave groups on the experimental side and compressible Euler equations
plus Navier Stokes modelling on the numerical side