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The occurrence and effects of wave impacts

The occurrence and effects of wave impacts
The occurrence and effects of wave impacts
The determination of design parameters for coastal structures has historically often involved the definition of maximum water levels, the highest significant wave height and the longest wave periods. The design then proceeds with these values using numerical models, direct design methods or physical model studies. Design studies have often been conducted with maximum water levels, using random seas with previously determined parameters, a chosen wave spectrum and a sufficiently large number of waves. Joint probability analysis methods using multiple parameters have identified that different combinations of water level; wave condition; perhaps fluvial discharge; or sea bed condition; may all influence the response. Recent research into the most important responses of vertical structures (plunging wave impact, toe scouring, overtopping and overtopping induced loading) indicates that these mechanisms are all linked to the occurrence of violent wave impacts. Wave breaking is a depth-limited phenomenon, with plunging breakers occurring only for a limited range of wave height to water depth ratios. For given storm wave heights, but tidally varying water levels, this wave breaking regime will often only prevail for a limited amount of time, leading to the conclusion that the duration of maximum exposure, i.e. the length of time that a coastal structure is exposed to the most important wave induced damage mechanisms, is a function of the combined probability of (at least) water level (tidal + storm surge) and wave height / storm profile characteristics. This may have significant consequences for the definition of critical design parameters and the parameter variations employed in model tests
coastal engineering, maritime engineering, sea defences
1753-7819
167-172
Muller, G.
f1a988fc-3bde-429e-83e2-041e9792bfd9
Allsop, W.
78014ba5-413d-4e7e-91cb-7408ec68a0c1
Bruce, T.
22c9ee51-f6ad-4e5e-8f9e-3b8e085b41fd
Kortenhaus, A.
67f49315-9ee0-41b9-9eb7-72a2a7845140
Pearce, A.
6ccd5735-7e67-4e6c-95bb-1ba1419937dc
Sutherland, J.
0ec3c535-a5bd-4b27-93c6-468a28aa06f5
Muller, G.
f1a988fc-3bde-429e-83e2-041e9792bfd9
Allsop, W.
78014ba5-413d-4e7e-91cb-7408ec68a0c1
Bruce, T.
22c9ee51-f6ad-4e5e-8f9e-3b8e085b41fd
Kortenhaus, A.
67f49315-9ee0-41b9-9eb7-72a2a7845140
Pearce, A.
6ccd5735-7e67-4e6c-95bb-1ba1419937dc
Sutherland, J.
0ec3c535-a5bd-4b27-93c6-468a28aa06f5

Muller, G., Allsop, W., Bruce, T., Kortenhaus, A., Pearce, A. and Sutherland, J. (2007) The occurrence and effects of wave impacts. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Water Maritime and Energy, 160 (4), 167-172. (doi:10.1680/maen.2007.160.4.167).

Record type: Article

Abstract

The determination of design parameters for coastal structures has historically often involved the definition of maximum water levels, the highest significant wave height and the longest wave periods. The design then proceeds with these values using numerical models, direct design methods or physical model studies. Design studies have often been conducted with maximum water levels, using random seas with previously determined parameters, a chosen wave spectrum and a sufficiently large number of waves. Joint probability analysis methods using multiple parameters have identified that different combinations of water level; wave condition; perhaps fluvial discharge; or sea bed condition; may all influence the response. Recent research into the most important responses of vertical structures (plunging wave impact, toe scouring, overtopping and overtopping induced loading) indicates that these mechanisms are all linked to the occurrence of violent wave impacts. Wave breaking is a depth-limited phenomenon, with plunging breakers occurring only for a limited range of wave height to water depth ratios. For given storm wave heights, but tidally varying water levels, this wave breaking regime will often only prevail for a limited amount of time, leading to the conclusion that the duration of maximum exposure, i.e. the length of time that a coastal structure is exposed to the most important wave induced damage mechanisms, is a function of the combined probability of (at least) water level (tidal + storm surge) and wave height / storm profile characteristics. This may have significant consequences for the definition of critical design parameters and the parameter variations employed in model tests

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More information

Published date: December 2007
Keywords: coastal engineering, maritime engineering, sea defences

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 52972
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/52972
ISSN: 1753-7819
PURE UUID: e7e7b852-329b-4fbd-a4ae-3af0f655b509

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Date deposited: 16 Jul 2008
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 10:39

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Contributors

Author: G. Muller
Author: W. Allsop
Author: T. Bruce
Author: A. Kortenhaus
Author: A. Pearce
Author: J. Sutherland

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