Breaking Wave Forces on Tripod Concrete Structure on Shoal

Abstract

An experimental study has been carried out on the forces from breaking waves on a tripod structure located on a shoal. The main purpose was to investigate both horizontal and vertical forces as well as overturning moments due to waves acting on the tripod. In addition, horizontal water particle velocities and crest elevations directly over the shoal have been measured. Nondimensional relations between the maximum depth average particle velocities over the shoal, the wave height, wave period, water depth, and wave crest elevation have been obtained. Further nondimensional relations between the wave crest elevation, wave height, wave period, and water depth have also been obtained. Finally, a simple wave force calculation method was developed that may be used to obtain wave forces on similar structures on other shoals that do not deviate significantly from the conditions used during the present tests.