Incorporating Rubble Mound Jetties in Elliptic Harbor Wave Models

Abstract

Simulation models based on the elliptic mild- or steep-slope wave equation are frequently used to estimate wave properties needed for harbor engineering calculations. To enhance the practical applicability of such models, a method is developed to accommodate the effects of rubble mound structures that are frequently found along the sides of harbor entrance channels. The results of this method are found to match those of other mathematical models under appropriate conditions but also to deviate from those of parabolic approximations in some cases as a consequence of increased angular scattering induced by dissipation. Comparison with hydraulic model data also shows that this approach is useful for designing pocket wave absorbers that are used to attenuate wave heights in entrance channels.