WAVE IMPULSE PREDICTION FOR CAISSON DESIGN

Abstract

Problems associated with the measurement of wave impact pressures are described and the poor comparison between the results of previous studies is outlined. It is argued that the force impulse form and magnitude are more relevant parameters for caisson design than maximum impact pressures. Data from small and large scale laboratory measurements are used to develop a simplified design approach for caisson breakwaters based on the limited magnitude of the force impulse. Comparison between large scale data and predictions based on small scale results show reasonable agreement.