Evaluation of Design Wave Impact Pressures

Abstract

Breaking waves can exert severe pressures on coastal structures. The prediction of these pressures is, however, difficult, and only semi/empirical formulas are available for this purpose. There are two formulas recommended by the Coastal Engineering Research Centre and by the British Standard Institution for the calculation of wave impact pressures. The two formulas were compared with respect to the magnitudes of the design pressures as determined for given situations. The influence of parameters like seabed slope, wave period, and height on the design pressures was evaluated for the two formulas. It was found that for similar conditions both formulas give significantly different results in load magnitude and in trends for parameter variation. Neither formula considers all relevant parameters. Both formulas showed poor agreement with field measurements. The probabilistic character of wave impact pressures is neglected by both formulas. Both formulas require careful judgment when applied to a particular situation.