Wave Runup on Smooth and Rock Slopes of Coastal Structures

Abstract

Knowledge on wave‐runup levels is important for a proper design of the crest height of coastal structures. An overall view of the literature supports the assertion that smooth slopes cause the highest possible runup levels. Therefore, various runup data on gentle smooth slopes of coastal structures in a large flume are presented, and a final design formula is given. Then, available data of runup on smooth and rock slopes are compared. The main part of this paper deals with runup on rock slopes, including revetments and breakwater structures. The slopes range from 1:1.5 to 1:4. About 250 tests have been performed, testing stability of armor layers, during which runup was simultaneously measured. First, a qualitative analysis is given on the influence of various parameters on runup. The final analysis results in two sets of design formulas. One set yields formulas for the assessment of various runup levels as a function of the surf similarity or breaker parameter. The other set presents the probability distribution of runup on rock slopes, written as a Weibull distribution.