Experimental Study On The Effect Of The Wavelength On Wave Overtopping Over Recurved Walls

Abstract

Wave overtopping phenomenon on vertical breakwaters is influenced by various physical parameters, encompassing wave height, period, water depth at the breakwater, breakwater freeboard, and foreshore steepness. Existing equations for estimating overtopping rates predominantly rely on the relative freeboard (R_c/H_m0) as the key parameter. This study highlights a significant deviation from this conventional approach when utilizing a recurved wall instead of a plain vertical wall, emphasizing the necessity to consider additional parameters, particularly wave period. In our quest for enhanced accuracy in estimating wave overtopping over recurved breakwaters, we have used F'=R_c/ (H_m0² L_p)^1/3, as a replacement for the conventional relative freeboard. Comparative analyses reveal that the proposed formulas for both impulsive and non-impulsive waves exhibit superior accuracy compared to existing formulas. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that, for larger relative freeboards, a robust formula for estimating wave overtopping remains elusive.