Wave Run-Ups and Overtopping Affected by Oblique Wave Approaches and Currents

Abstract

To quantify the effect of a current on the height of a wave’s run-up and overtopping combined with an oblique wave approach, the “FlowDike” hydraulic research project was carried out. Tests were performed on two dike slopes of 1:3 and 1:6. Waves were generated across (perpendicular to) the physical model and also inclined in-plane to the stream axis. Oblique waves were generated both towards and along the flow’s direction. The effect of the current and of the wave direction on the height of the wave run-up and amount of the wave overtopping was expressed by means of a combined correction factor for the wave’s inclination and flow velocity. The results of the research confirmed that the flow velocity had only a small effect.

Keywords

• wave field
• wave run-up
• wave overtopping
• wave-current interaction
• levees
• freeboard