The Effect of Stone Class I Characteristics on Hydraulic Stability of Multi-Layer Berm Breakwaters

Abstract

Assessing the stability of the breakwaters against incident waves is the most important issue in structure designing. Due to this fact, the effects of different parameters on the stability of multi-layer berm breakwater (MLBBs) have been presented in this study. A 2D experimental model of an MLBB with a JONSWAP spectrum of irregular waves is conducted. The effects of berm parameters such as berm elevation from SWL and water depth at the toe of the structure have been evaluated on MLBBs damage. The new parameter of stone class I height is assessed to find its effect on MLBBs stability. Outcomes disclose that an increase in stone class I height would increase the wave energy dissipation and consequently decrease the structure’s damaged eroded area. Moreover, with a 23% increase in water depth, the forces on the structure would increase and as a result, the structural damage is enhanced to 250%. The results indicate as, with a 40% increase in berm elevation from SWL, the eroded area is enlarged to 67%.

Keywords

• multi-layer berm breakwater
• stability assessment
• experimental modeling
• height of stone class i