Massie1976 3

COASTAL
ENGINEERING
VoLu m e I
B R E A K W A T E R DESIGN
C o a s t a L E n g i n e e r i ng G r o u p
Department
of CiviL
Engineering
D e L f t U n i v e r s i t y of TechnoLogy
D e L f t , The N e t h e r l a n d s
324. MfiiS '672.
COASTAL ENGINEERING
Volume I I I - Breakwater
Design
e d i t e d by
W.W. Massie, P.E,
astal
E n g i n e e r i n g Group
partnient of C i v i l
Engineering
I f t U n i v e r s i t y o f Technology
IFT
.le
Netherlands
976
november
1976
3,10
"He knows enough who

knows to learn".
Abraham Lincoln
TABLE OF CONTENTS - VOLUME I I I

BREAKWATER DESIGN
Page
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Introduction
1.1
Scope
1.2
Contributors
1.3
References
1.4
Miscellaneous Remarks
General Considerations
2.1
Purposes
2.2
General Design Information
2.3
Sources of Design Data
2.4
Performance Requirements
2.5
Review
Types of Breakwaters
10
3.1
Introduction
10
3.2
Comparison of Types
10
3.3
Conclusions
19
Rubble Mound Breakwaters
20
4.1
Definition
20
4.2
Two D i s t i n c t Types
20
4.3
Basic Construction Principles
21
Wave Run-up and Overtopping
22
5.1
Introduction
22
5.2
Run-up Determination
22
5.3
Run-up in Relation to Breakwater Design
24
5.4
Conclusions about Run-up
25
5.5
Wave Overtopping
25
5.6
Wave Transmission
26
Construction Materials
28
6.1
Necessary Properties
28
6.2
Desirable Properties
28
6.3
Characterizing Coefficients f o r Armor Units
29
6.4
Armor Unit Types
30
6.5
Armor Selection
35
6.6
Methods to increase S t a b i l i t y
36
Armor Computations
37
7.1
History
37
7.2
Theoretical Background
37
7.3
The Hudson Formula
40
7.4
Special Applications
42
7.5
S e n s i t i v i t y o f Hudson Formula
43
7.6
8.
9.
10.
44
7.7
Layer Extent and Thickness
45
7.8
Crest Width
47
7.9
Review
47
The Core
48
8.1
Function
43
8.2
Materials
48
8.3
Construction Methods
49
F i l t e r and Toe Constructions

Description and Functions
50
9.2
The Physical Phenomena Involved
50
9.3
Design C r i t e r i a f o r F i l t e r s
51
9.4
Design C r i t e r i a f o r Toes
51
9.5
F i l t e r Layer Constructions
51
9.6
Toe Constructions
54
9.7
Other Foundation Problems
57
Rubble Mound Breakwater Construction

Introduction
58
58
10.2
Construction Methods
58
10.3
Specific Constructional Aspects
60
10.4
Special Construction Problems
62
10.5
Review
63
Optimum Design
64
11.1
Introduction
64
11.2
Parameters and t h e i r Interrelationships
64
11.3
Given Data
65
11.4
Preliminary Calculations
68
11.5
Cost of Quarry Stone Breakwater
72
11.6
Damage to the Breakwater
78
11.7
Optimization of Quarry Stone Breakwater
81
11.8
Additional Remarks
84
12.
Example of Rubble Mound Breakwater
13.
Monolithic Breakwaters
13.1
13.2
14.
50
9.1
10.1
11.
Choice of Armor Units
Definition
General Features
Construction Materials
86
87
87
87
91
14.1
Introduction
91
14.2
Environmental Differences
91
14.3
Consequences f o r Materials
91
iii
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Wave Forces on Vertical Walls

15.1
Introduction
92
15.2
Standing Waves
92
15.3
Breaking Waves - Impact
15.4
Comparative Results
15.5
Other Wave Forces
96
15.6
Additional Comments
96
93
'
Monolithic Breakwater Foundations
95
98
16.1
Failure Types and Causes
98
16.2
Types of Foundations
98
16.3
Impact Load Response
100
16.4
Example of Impact Response
103
16.5
Breakwater Sliding
106
16.6
Example of Sliding
111
16.7
Breakwater Rotation
114
16.8
Example of Rotation
115
Influence of Breakwater on Waves
116
17.1
Introduction
116
17.2
Standing Waves
116
17.3
Local Morphological Changes
116
Construction of Monolithic Breakwaters
118
18.1
Introduction
118
18.2
Construction Over Crest
118
18.3
Use of Floating Caissons
121
18.4
Construction in Place
122
Optimum Design
19.1
20.
92
Introduction
123
123
19.2
Design Data
123
19.3
Preliminary Computations
125
19.4
Optimization Variables and Philosophy
128
19.5
Minimum Crest Elevation
130
19.6
Construction Costs
131
19.7
Determination of Damage
133
19.8
The Optimization
141
19.9
Additional Comments
151
Rotterdam - Europoort Entrance Design
152
20.1
Introduction
152
2.2
Harbor Layout Considerations
152
20.3
Proposed Designs
153
20.4
Evaluation of Designs
153
20.5
Construction Details
154
Symbols and Notation
162
References
169
iv
LIST OF TABLES
Table
Title
Page
number
1.1
Contributing S t a f f
7.1
Comparison of armor units
45
11.1 .
Storm data
67
11.2
Costs of Materials i n place
68
11.3
Wave shoaling
71
11.4
I n i t i a l cost estimate - stone breakwater
76
Cost as function of Wave height f o r stone
78
11.5
breakwater
11.6
Breakwater damage computations
11.7
Cost Summary
80
81
82
16.1
Response to schematized forces
104
16.2
Breakwater s l i d i n g parameters
109
16.3
S l i d i n g computation
113
19.1
Storm data
123
19.2
Costs o f Materials i n Place
125
19.3
Wave computations
126
19.4
S t a t i s t i c a l calculation f o r Hd = 8.0 m
127
19.5
Element quantities
133
19.6
Wave force Computations
135
19.7
Additional breakwater s l i d i n g parameters
139
19.8
Optimization computations
143
20,1
Overview of breakwater types
154
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
Title
Page
number
2.1
Plymouth Harbor, U,S,A,
2.2
Columbia River entrance
2.3
Influence of cross current on ship
2.4
Current pattern at Europoort entrance
3.1
A i r bubble curtain
10
3.2
Composite breakwater
11
3.3
Resonant breakwater
16
4.1
Overtopping breakwater
20
4.2
Non overtopping breakwater
21
5.1
Wave run-up
23
5.2
Run-up - steepness curves
24
5.3
Wave transmission f o r submerged breakwaters
27
6.1
Akmon armor unit
30
6.2
Cob
31
6.3
Concrete cube
31
6.4
Modified cube forms
32
6.5
Dolos
32
6.6
Tetrapod
34
6.7
Tri bar
35
7.1
Force diagram f o r single armor unit
37
7.2
Limits of Armor Equations
40
7.3
Equilibrium along contour
43
7.4
Comparison of armor units
45
9.1
Pressures w i t h i n breakwater
50
9.2
Woven f a b r i c mattress
52
9.3
Woven f a b r i c mattress with concrete block
53
9.4
Conventional excavated toe construction
55
9.5
A l t e r n a t i v e toe construction
56
9.6
Toe construction without excavation
56
Breakwater constructed with core protection
62
10,1
11.1
Storm wave and water level data
66
11.2
Wave data at s i t e
70
11.3
Run-up steepness curves a f t e r Hudson
73
11.4
Sketch design of stone breakwater
75
11.5
Damage relationship f o r rough quarry stone
79
11.6
Cost curves f o r stone breakwater
83
vi
Figure
Title
Page
number
13.1
Typical monolithic breakwater
87
13.2
Monolithic breakwater on rough bottom
88
13.3
Caisson cross section
89
13.4
Caisson with parapet
89
13.5
Hanstholm type of monolithic breakwater
89
13.6
Composite Breakwater
90
15,1
Pressure diagram f o r standing wave
93
16.1
Composite breakwater on moderately s t i f f s o i l
98
16.2
Quicksand condition
99
16.3
F i l t e r layer under monolithic breakwater
99
16.4
Schmatic representation of eq, 16,01
100
16.5
Mass-spring system
102
16.6
Actual and schematized force diagram
104
16.7
Response to example loadings
105
16.8
Forces on breakwaters
106
16.9
110
16.10
Forces important to r o t a t i o n
114
17,1
Standing wave and r e s u l t i n g bottom changes
117
18.1
Breakwater from A l g i e r s , Morocco
119
18.2
Elements and crane f o r secondary breakwater
120
18.3
Construction consisting of c y l i n d r i c a l caissons
120
18.4
Plan of construction yard
121
19.1
Short period dynamic forces
124
Design wave height as function of annual f r e -
129
19.2
quency of exceedance
19.3
Element details
131
19.4
138
19.5
19.6
Cost curves f o r various crest elevations

Total cost versus height and width f o r best
145
148
solutions
19.7
Contours of t o t a l cost parameter surface as
149
19.8
Sketch of monolithic breakwater
150
20.1
New harbor entrance Hook of Holland
155
20.2
Proposed designs f o r North Breakwater
156
function of width and height
20.3
Optimization curves
159
20.4
Cross sections of North Breakwater
160
20.5
(construction)phases of North Breakwater
161
1.
INTRODUCTION
W.W. Massie
1.1. Scope
This t h i r d volume of the series on coastal engineering concentrates on a single specialized t o p i c : breakwater design. The subdivisions into four categories found i n the previous two volumes is not
found here; a l l o f t h i s volume relates to harbors i n some way. Of
course, some information presented here can be used elsewhere. For
example, knowledge of wave impact forces, important f o r the design
of monolithic breakwaters, can also be handy when designing offshore
structures.
A more d i r e c t t i e can be made between the design methods used
f o r breakwaters and those needed f o r coastal defense works - volume I ,
chapter 30.
1.2. Contributors
The primary authors are l i s t e d at the beginning of each chapter;
f i n a l editing and coordination was done by W.W. Massie, layout by
W. Tilmans, J . van Overeem and'J.D. Schepers. Table 1.1 l i s t s the s t a f f
members of the Coastal Engineering Group who contributed to t h i s volume.
1.3.
References
One general reference is so handy f o r breakwater design that i t
is not repeatedly mentioned. This book is the Shore Protection
Manual
published i n 1973 by the U.S. Army Coastal Engineering Research Center.

Information presented well there w i l l not be duplicated here; these notes
complement rather than replace the Shore Protection
Manual.
1.4. M i s ce11 a n eous Rema r ks

As i n previous volumes, the s p e l l i n g used is American rather than
English. A l i s t of Dutch translations of the more important technical words
is a v a i l a b l e .
The notation used is kept as consistent as possible with previous volumes and with i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y accepted p r a c t i c e . A symbol table is i n c l u ded i n t h i s volume, even though most symbols are defined i n each chapter
as they appear.
L i t e r a t u r e i s l i s t e d i n the t e x t by author and year; a more complete
l i s t i n g is included separately i n the book.
More general introductory material may be found i n chapter 1 of
volume I of these notes.
Table 1.1
Contributors to t h i s volume
I r . J.F. Agema, Chief Engineer f o r Hydraulics,

Ministry of Public Works (Rijkswaterstaat),
The Hague.
P r o f . D r . i r . E.W. B i j k e r , Professor of Coastal Engineering,
D e l f t University of Technology, D e l f t .
I r . L.E. van Loo, Senior S c i e n t i f i c O f f i c e r ,
W.W. Massie, MSc, P.E., Senior S c i e n t i f i c O f f i c e r ,
I r . A. Paape, Director of D e l f t Branch',
D e l f t Hydraulics Laboratory, D e l f t .
2.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
W.W. Massie
2 . 1 . Purpose
Most generally speaking, breakwaters are b u i l t to change the coast
in some way.* The development o f the need f o r breakwaters has paralleled that of harbor and approach channel development outlined i n chapters 14 and 15 of volume I .
More s p e c i f i c purposes f o r breakwaters were described i n chapter 18
of volume I , but shall be treated i n more detail
here.
The most obvious purpose of a breakwater is to provide protection

against waves. The protection may be provided f o r an approach channel or
even f o r a harbor i t s e l f . This type of protection is necessary i n order
to provide
quieter water f o r ships to navigate and moor. Motion of moored
ships in harbors can be detrimental to cargo handling e f f i c i e n c y , especiall y f o r container ships. Wave action i n approach channels can increase the
danger f o r tugboat crews and make navigation more d i f f i c u l t . Furthermore,
dredging i n exposed locations is r e l a t i v e l y expensive - see chapter 16 o f
volume I . Figure 2.1 shows a small harbor protected by a breakwater.
A breakwater can also serve to reduce the amount of dredging required
in a harbor entrance. This can r e s u l t from the c u t t i n g o f f o f the l i t t o r a l
transport supply to the approach channel, or i t can r e s u l t from natural
scouring action i n an a r t i f i c i a l l y narrowed channel. This purpose was
highlighted b r i e f l y i n chaper 18 of volume I . Figure 2.2 shows such an
application constructed i n an attempt to increase natural channel scouring.
At locations where l i t t l e or no natural protection e x i s t s , breakwaters
often serve as quay f a c i l i t i e s as w e l l . Such dual usage of the breakwater i s
economical i n terms o f harbor area but requires a d i f f e r e n t type of breakwater s t r u c t u r e . This aspect w i l l be discussed f u r t h e r i n section 4 of t h i s
chapter.
A f o u r t h possible important purpose of a breakwater can be to guide
the currents i n the channel or along the coast. I t has already been shown
(volume I ch. 18) how the channel currents can be a r t i f i c i a l l y concentrated
to maintain depth. On the other hand, a breakwater can also be b u i l t to reduce the gradient o f the cross current i n an approach channel.
Ships moving at slow speed in a channel are r e l a t i v e l y d i f f i c u l t to
hold on course. A constant cross current makes the p i l o t ' s job more
d i f f i c u l t but can often be t o l e r a t e d . On the other hand, an abrupt
change i n cross current strength as the ship progresses along the
channel can cause dangerous navigation s i t u a t i o n s . This i s shown
schematically in f i g u r e 2.3. One of the primary considerations i n
the design of the Europoort breakwaters i n The Netherlands was the
l i m i t a t i o n of the cross current gradient. The r e s u l t i n g current patt e r n , observed i n a physical model is shown i n f i g u r e 2.4.
Obviously, a single breakwater can serve more than one of these
four main purposes. The design requirements implied by these functional
demands are discussed i n section 4; i n the f o l l o w i n g section we examine
the general design data required.
* This d e f i n i t i o n includes coastal defense works; the rest of the d i s cussion i s l i m i t e d to harbor breakwaters, however.
Figure 2.1
PLYMOUTH HARBOR, U.S.A.
Figure 2.2
COLUMBIA
RIVER ENTRANCE
CROSS
1.5
1.3
1.1
CURRENT
1.0
(KNOTS)
1.0
1.0
1.0
Actual Path
T
Desired Poth
SHIP SPEED RELATIVE TO WATER (KNOTS)
Angle Relative
to Desired Path
16
13
11.5
10.5
9.5
value increased from 30 by moment generated by abrupt current change.
Figure 2.3
INFLUENCE OF CROSS CURRENT ON SHIP
Figure l.k
CURRENT PATTERN AT EUROPOORT ENTRANCE
HALF AN HOUR BEFORE H.W. HOOK OF HOLLAND
2.2. General Design Information

Hydrographic data are obviously important f o r the design of a breakwater. Bathymetry is extremely important; the volume of a rubble mound
breakwater increases quadraticly with water depth. Water level changes
caused either by tides or by storm surges can be important f o r determining
the crest elevation of the breakwater. These water l e v e l s , by i n f l u e n c i n g
the t o t a l water depth can also l i m i t the wave attack to some maximum value.
Wave heights and t h e i r frequency of occurrence form the most important input to an optimum design procedure f o r a breakwater. The s t a t i s t i cal relationships needed have already been presented i n chapters 10 and 11
of volume I . When wave data i t s e l f is not a v a i l a b l e , waves can o f t e n be
predicted from meteorological data- see volume I chapter 12 and the Shore
Protection
Manual.
Horizontal tides can also be important. In addition to hindering ship

ping, these currents can also r e s u l t in erosion which endangers the breakwater foundation.
Meteorological data are also important. Winds are not only important
f o r local wave generation, but
can also be important f o r estimating the
quantity of overtopping by spray from the broken waves. When the inner side
of a breakwater serves as a quay, the ship mooring forces - dependent part i a l l y on wind influences - can be important in the design.
Temperature data can be important f o r the selection of construction
materials. Special concrete must be used i f repeated cycles o f freezing
and thawing are expected.
Special navigational aids may be needed on a breakwater i n a locat i o n where fog forms f r e q u e n t l y . These aids can range from radar
r e f l e c t o r s to radio beacon i n s t a l l a t i o n s .
Since every breakwater must have some sort of foundation
- how-
ever simple - knowledge of the local s o i l conditions is necessary. The

grain size d i s t r i b u t i o n , cohesion, bearing capacity, and consolidation
characteristics can a l l influence the design of a s t r u c t u r e .
The history o f the coastal morphological changes can be helpful
f o r estimating the influence which our structure w i l l have on the coastal
environment. While not involved d i r e c t l y with the breakwater construct i o n , r e s u l t i n g coastal morphological changes can influence the t o t a l
project economics s i g n i f i c a n t l y . Methods f o r predicting these changes
and reducing t h e i r detrimental e f f e c t s are discussed in volume I I .
Information about any special design wishes is also necessary. For
example, i t may be required that the e n t i r e structure be v i s i b l e from
w i t h i n a given distance; t h i s has implications f o r the crest elevation.
I t may be desirable to design a breakwater suitable f o r use by sport
fishermen under c e r t a i n weather conditions.
One l a s t item involves the a v a i l a b i l i t y of construction materials.
Since large volumes o f material are needed to construct a breakwater, a
local supply is nearly always required in order to keep transport cost
w i t h i n reason.
2,3, Sources of Design Data
Much of the preliminary hydrographic data can be obtained from navigation charts. They o f t e n provide s u f f i c i e n t data f o r s i t e selection.
The user should keep in mind, however, that indicated depths are usually
minimum depths; t h i s is i n keeping with t h e i r primary use i n navigation.
The most up-to-date charts are usually issued by local (national) hydrogra
phic agencies. The B r i t i s h Admiralty, however, issues charts covering
nearly a l l the coasts o f the world. These same hydrographic survey agencies usually accumulate and publish t i d a l information as w e l l , .
Meteorological data is usually accumulated most systematically by the
local (national) weather forecasting service. Data on waves are also o f ten recorded at coastal and offshore stations along with meteorological i n
formation. As an a l t e r n a t i v e , wave s t a t i s t i c s can sometimes be derived from

other information as explained i n chapter 12 o f volume I . Storm surge data
is also often recorded at coastal stations by the weather service. Theoreti
cal
prediction is sometimes possible when measurements are lacking; an
approach to the problem i s outlined i n volume I chapter 3.

Information about the s o i l conditions at a s i t e is o f t e n more d i f f i c u l t to f i n d . Possibly local public works agencies or dredging contractors
who have worked i n the area may be able to provide some information.
Even so, a detailed geotechnical survey of the area w i l l very often be
required, especially i f a large or special project is involved.
Any information concerning special design s p e c i f i c a t i o n s , such as
recreational requirements w i l l be provided by the a u t h o r i t y i n i t i a t i n g
the p r o j e c t .
Data from which an impression of coastal morphological changes can
be obtained may be held by public works agencies or may be derived from
comparison of present and past navigation charts. Libraries o f t e n have
map c o l l e c t i o n s which can be used f o r these comparison studies.
2.4.
Performance Requirements
Several factors which can influence our choice o f breakwater type
have already been mentioned.. These have been grouped under purpose and
under design information i n e a r l i e r sections of t h i s chapter. In t h i s
section other factors a f f e c t i n g the choice of design type w i l l be considered. A catalog of types of breakwaters with t h e i r advantages and
disadvantages w i l l be presented i n chapter 3.
In contrast to dikes, the performance requirements f o r breakwaters
are usually much less s t r i n g e n t . For example, a breakwater may be needed
only temporarily such as those used to establish the beachheads i n World
War I I . On the other hand, a permanent structure may be desirable, but
t h i s structure need only be e f f e c t i v e i n t e r m i t t e n t l y . One can conceive
of a f e r r y harbor entrance which only need be protected from wave action
when the f e r r y is moving i n or out.
Available construction and maintenance methods can also r e s u l t i n
modified designs. I f , f o r example, navigational aids and the breakwater i t s e l f must be repaired q u i c k l y , then a higher crest elevation may be d i c tated by the need to move equipment along the dam during severe weather.
Indeed, f o r some purposes, a breakwater need not be much higher than the
s t i l l water l e v e l , while f o r others i t must be nearly as high as a dike.
I f quay f a c i l i t i e s are to be provided on the inner side of the breakwater,
special foundations w i l l be required to withstand the additional loads
from cargo handling and to l i m i t settlement.
Another contrast with dike is that a breakwater need not always be
impermeable. Some types of breakwaters such as a i r bubble curtains or
f l o a t i n g breakwaters do l i t t l e to r e s t r i c t currents.
2.5.
Review
The more important purposes and design and performance require-
ments of breakwaters have been outlined i n a general way. In the f o l lowing chapter, many types of breakwaters w i l l be described b r i e f l y
along with a summary of t h e i r advantages and disadvantages.
One of the most important tasks of the designer is to achieve a
solution to a problem having the lowest total
cost. This t o t a l cost can
include much more than construction and maintenance costs of the breakwater; r e c r e a t i o n a l , environmental, and i n d i r e c t damages w i t h i n a harbor r e s u l t i n g from breakwater f a i l u r e should also be considered. This
concept of optimum design has been introduced i n chapter 13 of volume I .
10
3.
TYPES OF BREAKWATERS
J.F. Agema
W.W. Massie
3 . 1 . Introduction
The purpose of t h i s chapter is to review and compare the various
types o f devices and structures available as breakwaters. This comparison treats rubble mound and monolithic breakwaters i n a rather
summary way; these s p e c i f i c types - with many variations - are d i s cussed i n more detail i n l a t e r chapters. They are included here f o r
completeness; s u f f i c i e n t v a r i e t y is i l l u s t r a t e d to show t h e i r vers a t i l i t y . These comparisons are presented i n a sort of o u t l i n e form
in an e f f o r t to preserve the survey character of t h i s chapter. Twenty
d i f f e r e n t breakwater types are l i s t e d i n alphabetical order and compared i n the following section.
Specific references and examples o f many of the various types
are given. Two general references - Shore Protection
Manual and Wiegel
(1964) - are not l i s t e d f o r each type i n d i v i d u a l l y .

3.2. Comparison of Types
a.
A i r Bubble Curtains
Description: Permanent submerged pipeline discharging a i r to
cause currents i n water which tend to cause waves
to break. Adapted to i n t e r m i t t e n t use to protect small
areas.
Advantages: Uses no space
Reduces density currents - see Vol I , ch. 23.
Can be quickly constructed.
Does not bother shipping.
Aesthetic - i n v i s i b l e .
Undamaged by large waves.
Disadvantages: Expensive i n operation.
I n e f f e c t i v e except f o r very short waves.
A i r pipe may become covered by sediment, i f used only
intermittently.
Figure 3,1
AIR BUBBLE CURTAIN
Provides only a reduction i n water and sediment movement.

Examples: f i g u r e 3.1
References:
b.
S c h i j f (1940), Laurie (1952), Taylor (1955), G r i f f i n (1972)
Beaches
Description: Permanent, often natural sand or gravel slopes
which destroy wave energy by breaking. Waves can be reduced i n channels by r e f r a c t i o n .
11
Advantages: E f f e c t i v e .
Use natural materials.
Usually very durable.
Usually very inexpensive to maintain.
Aesthetic - recreational value.
Disadvantages: Possible sand loss at exposed locations.
Need much space - slopes of 1:10 or f l a t t e r are usually
needed.
Examples: Europoort Entrance
References; Volume I I of these notes.
c.
Composite - Rubble Mound Front

Description: Permanent structure consisting of some form of mono
l i t h i c v e r t i c a l breakwater with a rubble mound form placed
before and against i t . This is often used to r e f u r b i s h old
monolithic v e r t i c a l breakwaters.
Advantages: Low r e f l e c t i o n of waves.
Moderate material use.
Impervious to water and sediment.
Can provide quay f a c i l i t i e s on lee side.
Can be b u i l t working from structure i t s e l f .
Disadvantage: Expensive form of new construction since i t uses a
multitude of construction techniques.
Example: Improved old breakwaters at Scheveningen and IJmuiden.
d.
Composite - Vertical Monolithic Top

Description: Permanent structure consisting of a rubble mound
base surmounted by a monolithic v e r t i c a l structure.
Advantages: Moderate use o f m a t e r i a l .
Adapts well to an uneven bottom.
Provides a convenient promenade.
Disadvantages: Suffers from impact forces of largest waves.
Reflects largest waves. This can damage the lower rubble
mound p o r t i o n .
Rubble mound must be c a r e f u l l y constructed i n order to provide a good foundation f o r the monolithic top.
Destroyed when design conditions are exceeded.
Examples:
f i g u r e 3,2
The slope needed is dependent upon the material grain size; f i n e r

materials need f l a t t e r slopes.
Figure 3.2
COMPOSITE BREAKWATER
12
e.
Floating Flexible
Description: Temporary f l e x i b l e bouyant f l o a t i n g device which
absorbs wave energy by f r i c t i o n with water and from internal
deformation.
Advantages: Inexpensive, usually.
Easily moved from s i t e to s i t e .
Often very quickly f a b r i c a t e d .
Relatively independent of bottom conditions.
Disadvantages: I n e f f e c t i v e against long waves.
Must be anchored.
Some types such as brushwood mattresses require much s k i l l e d
labor f o r f a b r i c a t i o n .
Examples: Brushwood mattresses.
Floating auto t i r e s ,
f l o a t i n g p l a s t i c mats.
References: Wiegel, Friend (1958), G r i f f i n (1972), Kowalski (1974).
f.
Floating Rigid
Description: Usually a temporary solution consisting of a large
f l o a t i n g body. This may be a ship or a large shallow pontoon.
Advantages: Easily moved to new s i t e .
Usually consume l i t t l e space.
Can provide temporary quay f a c i l i t i e s .
Independent of bottom except f o r anchors.
Disadvantages: I n e f f e c t i v e f o r long waves.
Must be anchored.
Can resonate leading to poor performance at some wave f r e quencies.
Damaged when design conditions exceeded.
Examples: Large ships or pontoons.
References: G r i f f i n (1972), Kowalski (1974).
g.
Monolithic "Floating"
Description: Semipermanent concept f o r a monolithic breakwater
suitable f o r use on mud coasts where the bottom material
bearing capacity is l i m i t e d . The structure consists of a large
caisson or ship f l o a t i n g with i t s hull p r o j e c t i n g some meters
i n t o the mud.
13
Advantages: Easily placed.

Well adapted to very s o f t bottom.
Not prone to s e t t l e .
Disadvantages: May move with large mass slides of the mud - see
v o l . I , ch. 27.
Subsequent dredging prohibited i n the area.
h.
Monolithic - Porous Front

Description: A permanent monolithic structure having a porous
f r o n t wall which acts to absorb the oncoming wave energy.
Advantages: Uses r e l a t i v e l y l i t t l e material compared to rubble mound.
Less wave impact and r e f l e c t i o n than conventional monolithic
structure.
Needs l i t t l e space.
Provides quay on lee s i d e .
Disadvantages: D i f f i c u l t to construct.
Need high q u a l i t y concrete and workmanship.
Even bottom needed.
I n t o l e r a n t of settlement.
Foundation problems on f i n e sand.
Severe damage when design condition exceeded.
Examples: Ekofisk storage tank, North Sea
Baie Comeau, Canada
References: Jarlan (1961)
Marks & Jarlan (1969)
G r i f f i n (1972)
chapters 13 through 19.
i.
Monolithic - Sloping Front

Description: A monolithic structure with the upper portion of the
v e r t i c a l face sloping back at an angle of i n the order of 45 .
This is often called a Hanstholm type of breakwater.
Advantages: Economical of m a t e r i a l .
Rather quickly constructed.
Less wave impact and r e f l e c t i o n when compared to conventional
monolith.
Occupies l i t t l e space.
Quay f a c i l i t i e s can be provided on lee side.
14
Disadvantages: Needs even bottom.

Intolerant o f settlement.
Can have foundation problems on f i n e sand.
Severe damage when design condition exceeded.
Examples: B r i s t o l , England
References: chapters 13 through 19.
Monolithic Sunken Caisson
Description: A temporary structure f l o a t e d into place and sunk
and ballasted to form an i n i t i a l breakwater. Often used to
cut o f f currents so that i t can then be hurried i n a natural
beach, or other more permanent breakwater.
Advantages: Very quickly placed on the s i t e .
Can provide quay f a c i l i t i e s on lee side.
Uses l i t t l e m a t e r i a l .
Provides promenade.
Provides work road f o r l a t e r construction phases.
Disadvantages: Size l i m i t e d by towing l i m i t a t i o n s .
Easily damaged - often by only a moderate storm.
Foundation d i f f i c u l t i e s on f i n e sand bed.
Requires smooth bed.
Examples: Normandy beachhead - world war I I .
References: chapters 13 through 19.
Monolithic Vertical - Constructed i n Place
Description: Permanent structure consisting of large elements
stacked upon each other i n a regular pattern forming a
massive v e r t i c a l w a l l .
Advantages: Economical of m a t e r i a l .
Rather quickly constructed.
Quay can be provided on lee side.
Adapted to use of p i l e foundation.
Top is accessible to construction equipment.
15
Disadvantages: Needs even bottom.

Wave impact forces can be l o c a l l y severe.
Waves are r e f l e c t e d .
Erosion can take place near the bottom.
I n f l e x i b l e i f settlement occurs.
Needs very heavy construction equipment.
Foundation problems on f i n e sand, except when on a p i l e
foundation.
Severly damaged when design conditions are exceeded.
Examples: Original breakwaters in Scheveningen and IJmuiden.
Reference: Chapters 13 through 19 of t h i s book.
1.
Oil Slick
Description: very temporary emergency measure used at sea to reduce spray i n heavy seas. Effectiveness derives from surface
tension influences.
Advantages: Inexpensive .
Easily implemented under emergency conditions .
Disadvantages: L i t t l e , i f any, actual wave reduction.
Aesthetic - p o l l u t i o n source.
m.
Pile Row
Description; Permanent structure formed by d r i v i n g a row of piles
either close together or spaced apart. Suitable f o r groins as
well as simple breakwaters.
Advantages: Inexpensive.
Uses very l i t t l e space.
Well adapted to poor foundation conditions.
Can be incorporated in quay s t r u c t u r e .
Can be rather watertight or open as desired.
Disadvantages: wave r e f l e c t i o n .
Possible scour at bottom.
Wood piles attacked by worms and r o t .
Examples: Evanston, U.S.A.
References: Wiegel (1961).
16
n.
Resonant Breakwater
Description: A series of rectangular basins connected to a harbor
entrance such that each is tuned to absorb energy o f a given
commonly occurring wave period. In contrast to ch. 19 of Vol.
a seiche is encouraged i n these basins.
incident
vi/aves
Advantages: Can help reduce seiches i n main harbor.

Can be b u i l t on s o f t ground.
Disadvantages: Sharply tuned to s p e c i f i c waves.
Takes much space.
harbor basin
Example: Dunkerque near lock.
Figure 3. 3
RESONANT BREAKV^/ATER
References: Valembois (1953)

f i g u r e 3.3.
0.
Rubble Mound - Pell - mell A r t i f i c i a l Armor Units

Description: A permanent structure consisting of layers of stone
and gravel protected on the exposed surfaces by a layer of
randomly placed a r t i f i c i a l armor u n i t s . A massive structure
may be incorporated in the crest to save m a t e r i a l .
Advantages: Durable.
Flexible - accommodates
settlement.
Easily adapted to i r r e g u l a r bathymetry.

Needs no large natural u n i t s .
Functions well even when severely damaged.
Disadvantages: Need factory f o r armor u n i t s .
Large quantities of material needed.
Needs underlayer i f b u i l t on sand.
Unsuited to s o f t ground.
Example: Europoort, The Netherlands
Sante Cruz, U.S.A.
References: Agema (1972)
chapters 4 through 12,
p.
Rubble Mound - Placed Units

Description: Permanent structure s i m i l a r to that with pell - mell
unit placement except that units are now i n d i v i d u a l l y placed
in a precise pattern. A monolithic crest construction i s usuall y used.
17
Advantages: Durable.
Flexible - adapts to settlement.
Uses least material of rubble mound types.
Adapts well to i r r e g u l a r bathymetry.
Well adapted to "dry" construction.
Disadvantages: Armor units must be fabricated
Needs much s k i l l in construction.
Impossible to place armor under water.
Unsuited to very s o f t ground.
Needs underlayer i f b u i l t on sand.
Examples: N a w i l i w i l i Kauai, U.S.A.
References: Palmar (1960), Agema (1972)
chapters 4 through 12
q.
Rubble Mound - Stone

Description: Permanent structure consisting of successive layers
of stone. The exposed surface is covered with heavy armor
stones.
Advantages: Very durable - resists severe attack w e l l .
Functions even when severly damaged.
Adapts to ground settlement.
Uses natural commonly available materials.
Easily adapted to i r r e g u l a r bathymetry.
Construction possible with l i m i t e d ski-lied labor.
Uses common construction equipment.
Materials are usually inexpensive.
Much experience available.
Disadvantages: Uses the most material of a l l types.
Must be adapted f o r construction on sand.
Unsuited to very s o f t ground.
Examples: Marina Del Rey, U.S.A.
Winthrop Beach, U.S.A. - See Vol. I , ch. 28 f i g . 28.7a.
References: Chapters 4 through 12.
r.
Rubble Mound - Stone with Asphalt Spotting

Description: A stone armored rubble mound breakwater with l i g h t e r
armor p a r t i a l l y keyed together by scattered patches of asphalt.
18
Advantages: Lighter armor units than would otherwise be possible

with stone.
Flexible f o r settlement.
Easily adapted to uneven bathymetry.
Adapts to ground settlement.
Disadvantages: Asphalt plant needed.
Very s k i l l e d labor needed to place asphalt.
Asphalt can be i n e f f e c t i v e i n hot weather.
Failure can lead to severe damage.
Submerged - v e r t i c a l or rubble mound
Description: Permanent structure sometimes used to create an
a r t i f i c i a l tombolo, f o r groins.
Advantages: Can be designed f o r desired wave reduction.
Aesthetic - i n v i s i b l e .
Reduces longshore sand transport.
Disadvantages: Prevent onshore sand transport.
Hazardous to shipping.
Foundation problems on sand sometimes important.
Examples: Groins on Dutch Coast.
References: Johnson, Fuchs, Morison (1951)
chapter 5.
Vertical Sheet Pile Cells
Description: Permanent breakwater or groin construction consist i n g of sheet p i l e cells f i l l e d with sand, and usually capped
with pavement.
Advantages: Inexpensive.
Can be constructed from land with small equipment.
Well suited to sand and mud bottom.
Usually quite durable.
Rather f a s t construction.
Provides road or promenade.
Insensitive to bottom settlement.
Disadvantages: High wave r e f l e c t i o n .
Corrosion can l i m i t l i f e .
Possible local bottom scour.
Examples: Presque I s l e , U.S.A.
Port Sanilac, U.S.A.
19
3.3
Conclusions
I t Is obvious from the previous section that no one type o f break-
water is always best. Further, the choice of a breakwater f o r a given s i t u ation is dependent upon so many factors that i t is nearly impossible to
give s p e c i f i c rules of thumb f o r determing the "best" type. A few general
rules can be given, however:
- Rubble mound structures are the most durable, and as such are best
suited to extremely heavy wave attack.
- Monolithic structures use less space and material; t h i s is especially
true i n deeper water.
- Special types of breakwaters are usually best suited to s p e c i f i c
special applications.
Details o f rubble mound breakwaters are worked out i n the f o l l o w i n g
nine chapters; problems of monolithic breakwaters are taken up in chapters
13 through 19.
20
4.
RUBBLE MOUND BREAKWATERS
J.F. Agema
4.1. Definition
What is a rubble mound breakwater? The cynic's description "a p i l e
of junk" is not too bad provided that a couple o f q u a l i f i c a t i o n s are
added. The f i r s t q u a l i f i c a t i o n i s that the "junk" must be some r e l a t i vely dense material such as stone or concrete elements
(compressed
scrap auto bodies have also been suggested). The second i s that the " p i l e "
must be b u i l t up i n a more or less orderly fashion. In the remainder
of t h i s chapter we b r i e f l y describe the parts of a rubble mound breakwater and t h e i r i n t e r r e l a t i o n s h i p s .
4.2. Two D i s t i n c t Types
The use to be made of the area d i r e c t l y leeward o f a rubble mound
breakwater plays an important role i n the choice between an overtopping
or non-overtopping rubble mound s t r u c t u r e . In general, the less important or c r i t i c a l the a c t i v i t y on the lee side, the more overtopping
that may be allowed. For example, i f containers are to be loaded i n the
immediate lee area (an operation very sensitive to harbor wave a c t i o n ) ,
very l i t t l e , i f any, wave overtopping would be acceptable. I f , on the
other hand, a breakwater served p r i m a r i l y to guide the current near a
harbor entrance, the regular overtopping would be of no consequence.
I f a breakwater i s designed to be overtopped, then special measures
must be taken to assure that the upper portion of the inner
slope is not
damaged, A non-overtopping breakwater, on the other hand, must be so

designed that i t i s , indeed, nearly never overtopped. Typical tross sections of these two types are shown i n figures 4.1 and 4 . 2 .
Figure / . . l
OVERTOPPING BREAKWATER
A non-overtopping breakwater is usually somewhat higher - r e l a t i v e

to the design s t i l l water level - than an overtopping one. The amount
of wave run-up and overtopping on a given slope of given height i s d i s cussed i n chapter 5.
21
Crest
^ MSL
z
FILTER LAYERS
Figure 4.2
NGN OVERTOPPING BREAKWATER
4.3. Basic Construction Principles

Nearly every rubble mound breakwater Is constructed In layers. These
have already been Indicated In f l gures 4.1 and 4.2. As a general r u l e ,
each layer of the breakwater must be so designed that the adjacent layer
of f i n e r material cannot escape by being washed through I t s voids. Obviously, the outer layers - both i n f i n a l form and during construction must be designed to withstand the expected wave attack. This i s discussed
i n detail i n chapter 7. Of course, these layers must also be designed
such that they can be constructed with the available equipment - see
chapter 10.
The choice of construction materials is largely determined by
a v a i l a b i l i t y i n the quantities needed. Necessary properties of these
construction materials - especially of armor units - are cataloged
i n chapter 6,
Many times the outer layers of the breakwater can be supported
by a rather undescribable core m a t e r i a l . Usually, the cheapest available material is thrown i n - see chapter 8.
The rule that adjacent layers may not be allowed to wash through
voids applies to the natural bottom material layer under the breakwat e r as w e l l . There are no problems when a rubble mound is constructed
on a rock bottom. I f , on the other hand, the bottom material is f i n e
sand, then a f i l t e r must usually be constructed. This f i l t e r is described i n d e t a i l i n chapter 9.
Once a breakwater has been conceived ( i t s general dimensions
and properties are sketched) t h i s concept must be economically evaluated. This a p p l i c a t i o n of the optimum design technique, described i n
chapter 13 of volume I , is handled i n d e t a i l i n chapter 11.
22
5.
WAVE RUN-UP AND OVERTOPPING
A. Paape
5 . 1 . Introduction
Reflection of waves against a slope or the breaking o f waves
on some form o f breakwater leads to water level f l u c t u a t i o n s on the
slope surface which can considerably exceed the amplitude of the
incident waves. For example, when waves are f u l l y r e f l e c t e d by an
impermeable v e r t i c a l b a r r i e r , the water level f l u c t u a t i o n at the
wall is t h e o r e t i c a l l y two times the height of the incident waves.
HiWhen waves break on a slope, a portion of t h e i r momentum i s
transferred to a tongue of water rushing up the slope. The run-up,
R, is defined as the maximum v e r t i c a l elevation reached by t h i s
tongue measured r e l a t i v e to the s t i l l water level - see f i g u r e 5 . 1 .
I t is implied i n t h i s d e f i n i t i o n that the crest of the slope is higher
than the run-up. Since the run-up is measured r e l a t i v e to the s t i l l
water l e v e l , the run-up, R, also includes e f f e c t s of wave set-up caused by tne r a d i a t i o n stress - volume I I .
5.2. Run-up Determination
When regular waves are considered, a unique r e l a t i o n s h i p exists
between the wave run-up, R, and the wave properties, height and period,
and structure c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s , toe depth, slope angle, roughness, poros i t y , and foreshore slope. These parameters are also shown i n f i g u r e 5 . 1 .
Thus:
R = f ( H . , T, h^, a, e, r , n) *
(5.01)
where:
Hi is the incident wave h e i g t .
i s the depth at the toe of the slope
ht
n is the porosity of the slope.
r
is the roughness of the slope.
R is the v e r t i c a l wave run-up.

T
is the wave period.
is the slope of the structure
is the slope of the foreshore
* I t has been assumed that the wave crests approach p a r a l l e l to the

breakwater.
23
Figure 5.1
WAVE RUN-UP DEFINITION SKETCH
The energy of the waves approaching i s , in general, p a r t i a l l y

destroyed by breaking, p a r t i a l l y r e f l e c t e d , and p a r t i a l l y expended
in run-up. The wave height, water depth, and wave period determine
the i n i t i a l wave steepness. This steepness, combined with the slope,
a, determines the breaking characteristics of the wave - see volume
I chapter 8. This characteristic determines the r a t i o of r e f l e c t e d
momentum to momentum consumed in run-up. Thus, f o r constant slope and
foreshore properties (h^, a, p, r , n) and wave period ( T ) , the run-up
w i l l ttot be a linear
function
of the incident wave height. Experimental
data is presented in f i g u r e 5.2. In t h i s f i g u r e ,
is the equivalent
deep water wave height, hadthere been no r e f r a c t i o n ; and \ ^ is the deep

water wave length - see volume I chapter 5, The slopes l i s t e d give the
r a t i o v e r t i c a l : horizontal and correspond, therefore, to the cotangent of
the slope angle, a. The smooth slopes are impervious. Sand beaches can
also be treated as impervious. The curves f o r rubble mound slopes are
f o r complete rubble slopes and not f o r j u s t a rubble-covered surface.
The influence of the slope, a, is obvious from f i g u r e 5.2. For
steep slopes, the r e f l e c t i o n is greater and the run-up i s , i n general,
less. On the other hand, f o r very f l a t slopes, the up-rush is retarded
by f r i c t i o n over the long distance so that the height reached is also
less than the maximum.
Nearly a l l of the run-up information available is of an experiment a l nature, and most applies to impervious structures such as dikes. An
extensive c r i t i c a l bibliography can be found in an anonymous report
(1972) e n t i t l e d Golfoploop
en
Golfoverslag.''^
I t is obvious that a more complicated s i t u a t i o n exists when i r r e gular waves are involved. Because the wave properties now vary continuousl y the run-up also becomes a stochastic variable. d'Angremond and van
Oorschot (1968) report that the s t a t i s t i c a l properties of the run-up are
dependent upon more than j u s t wave characteristics f o r a given slope.
An English t r a n s l a t i o n has also been prepared.
24
LOO
The form of the wave spectrum in addition to i t s c h a r a c t e r i s t i c wave

heigt and period is important f o r the s t a t i s t i c a l description of the
run-up. S a v i l l e (1962) and Battjes (1974) have made reasonably successf u l attempts to relate run-up data obtained with regular waves to that
obtained with i r r e g u l a r waves. A l l of t h i s was done f o r smooth impermeable slopes.
S t i l l less is known about run-up caused by i r r e g u l a r waves on
rough permeable slopes such as found on rubble mound breakwaters. The
principles involved are the same, but the roughness and permeability
also have a d e f i n i t e influence and tend to make the e f f e c t of other
parameters less pronounced. These facts are revealed by f i g u r e 5.2.
Obviously, run-up is very important f o r the design of a dike; i t s
importance in breakwater design is highlighted i n the next section.
5.3. Run-up in Relation to Breakwater Design
Three factors are of importance when considering run-up influences
on a breakwater. These are: the s t a b i l i t y of the s t r u c t u r e , the use o f
the crest, and the e f f e c t of overtopping on the harbor. Each of these
is examined i n more detail below.
25
The s t a b i l i t y and safety of a structure are only jeopardized by

run-up when the crest and inner slope cannot withstand water running
over t h e i r surfaces; This is o f t e n true of dikes. Under such condit i o n s , i t is reasonable to design the structure so as to prevent runup reaching the crest (overtopping), even under exceptional wave and
water level conditions such as those used to determine the face stab i l i t y . Such an extreme l i m i t a t i o n is usually uneconomical f o r a breakwater.
When the crest has a f u n c t i o n in the harbor operation, such as act i n g as a roadway or pipeline s t r e e t , then very occasional overtopping
can usually be allowed. "Occasional" here usually means that i t occurs
under r e l a t i v e l y moderate wave conditions such as might occur once or
a few times per year. Obviously, t h i s results in a lower crest elevation than that determined by the f i r s t c r i t e r i u m . With such a design
the e f f e c t s of mass overtopping under extreme conditions must be adequately considered in the design evaluation. Resulting damage to a
highway or pipelines must be included, f o r example.
The e f f e c t of overtopping, either by wave run-up or spray is d i f f i c u l t to estimate. Overtopping by run-up w i l l be considered in section
5.5. Overtopping by spray is more dependent upon the wind and breakwat e r slope properties than on the crest elevation. Spray should preferably be reduced by avoiding the formation of "spouting" breaking waves.*
These can be reduced by l i m i t i n g the v e r t i c a l portions and abrupt d i s c o n t i n u i t i e s on the f r o n t slope.
5.4. Conclusions about Run-up
Wave run-up on rubble mound structures i s , f o r t u n a t e l y , usually less
c r i t i c a l than on dikes or sea-walls.
In spite of i t s r e s t r i c t i o n s , data
presented in f i g u r e 5.2 can often be used. When using t h i s f i g u r e with

i r r e g u l a r waves, the s i g n i f i c a n t wave height is usually used in place of
the monochromatic wave height. Such an approach yields a f a i r , and usuall y safe, preliminary design. However, only i f the p r o j e c t is of very modest size or the crest elevation of the breakwater must be r e l a t i v e l y
high f o r other independent reasons, is i t j u s t i f i a b l e not to conduct
model experiments to investigate run-up and overtopping e f f e c t s . One
should be especially careful when long wave lengths are encountered.
Several model studies have indicated that unexpectedly great overtopping
can occur then.
5.5. Wave Overtopping
I f the crest elevation is lower than that corresponding to maximum
run-up, then up-rushing water w i l l s p i l l on to and over the crest of the
s t r u c t u r e . The usual u n i t of measurement of overtopping is volume per
u n i t time and crest length. This quantity of overtopping is sometimes
used as a damage c r i t e r i u m f o r sea w a l l s . I t can also be used to dimension a drainage system to remove t h i s overtopping water. The "direct"
This should be compared to chapter 15.
26
relevance of overtopping is usually less f o r a breakwater than f o r a

seawall unless important harbor operations are carried out from or close
behind the structure.
In p r i n c i p l e the factors which lead to a decision on allowable runup also lead to a decision with regard to overtopping. However, some
pertinent observations are i n order.
Overtopping which may endanger a breakwater's s t a b i l i t y has never
been related to the quantity of water as such. Model t e s t results
relate
the wave conditions and crest elevation d i r e c t l y to s t r u c t u r a l damage or

required armor unit weights. This i s , of course, more s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d .
The amount of overtopping can be a criterium to evaluate a design
employing the breakwater crest i n the harbor operation. This evaluation
is p a r a l l e l to that already mentioned in section 5.3.
When the overtopping flow is considerable and the water must return to the sea via the harbor, currents w i l l be generated behind the
breakwater. Obviously the quantity of overtopping must be appreciable;
the crest elevation is r e l a t i v e l y low. A special model study of overtopping was carried out f o r the Europoort Project. A few other examples
can be found i n the l i t e r a t u r e but not enough is known to establish a
general prediction r e l a t i o n s h i p ; usually special model studies
are
needed.
When the crest elevation is s t i l l
lower, the overtopping water w i l l
generate waves in harborbasinsas w e l l . This wave generation is dealt

with in the following section.
5.6. Wave Transmission
When the crest o f a breakwater is r e l a t i v e l y low compared to the
wave height the r e s u l t i n g large volume of overtopping can generate appreciable waves on the lee side. The following rules of thumb are suggested:
f o r -pq > 7]: ; minor waves
(5.02)
for^ = 0 :
(5.03)
for^
1
H,
3
< - | : ^ > |
(5.04)
where:
Hj^ is the incident wave height,
H, is the transmitted wave height, and
is the elevation of the crest above the s t i l l water level,
The above equations can be used with regular as well as with i r r e g u l a r
waves i f the s i g n i f i c a n t wave height is taken to characterize the spectrum.
27
The above rule of thumb is only very approximate. In p r i n c i p l e , a l l

of the factors governing wave run-up as well as the breakwater crest width
a f f e c t wave transmission. In practice, the most important parameters are
the incident wave characteristics - determined by H'^,
T, and h - and the
crest e l e v a t i o n , z^. The slope roughness and angle are only important f o r
gentle slopes and wide crests (10 m or more).
For a submerged structure (z^ negative), the most important
parameter is -pp . Figure 5.3 shows some experimental r e s u l t s . The e f f e c t of wave steepness is also indicated. Longer waves r e s u l t i n great e r wave transmission. Figure 5.3 does not disagree with relations 5.03
0.2 -i
and 5.04, This f i g u r e may not be extrapolatedl
<u
When the crest is near the s t i l l water l e v e l , or the waves are

short and steep, a more dependable parameter f o r wave transmission is
the r a t i o - j ^ . Thus, f i g u r e 5.3 becomes less dependable near - j ^ equal
to zero. Se^ Hall and Hall (1940).
Some f u r t h e r data is.presented in the Shore Protection
Manual but
not presented in a very handy usuable form. One must be very careful when
attempting to use t h e i r graphs such as m-fure 7.59 in that book; all of
the parameters must match those used to make t h e i r f i g u r e s .
A correct conclusion is that too l i t t l e information on wave transmission is available in the l i t e r a t u r e to allow accurate estimates to be
made during design. A f a c t o r which makes the establishment of allowable
l i m i t s f o r wave transmission even more d i f f i c u l t is the simultaneous presence of waves which penetrate through the harbor entrance. The r e s u l t i n g
t o t a l wave height is not simply the sum of the wave height components!
Even a sum based upon wave energy proves to be unreliable. Large scale
model tests can provide i n s i g h t i n t o the problem f o r s p e c i f i c harbors.
For completeness, we should realize that waves may also penetrate
through rubble mound breakwater. A f t e r a l l , i t i s , in p r i n c i p l e , often a
permeable s t r u c t u r e . In p r a c t i c e , t h i s permeability to wind waves is
usually low, due to the f a c t that the waves are r e l a t i v e l y short and the
possible presence of a breakwater core consisting of f i n e material - see
chapter 8. However, i f the breakwater is b u i l t almost exclusively from
coarse material (concrete blocks, f o r example) and the wave period is
long (more than 12 seconds in order of magnitude), t h i s wave penetration
may no longer be n e g l i g i b l e . Because of the nonlinear character of the
flow through such a coarse porous medium, scale e f f e c t s can cause severe
problems f o r the i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of model data. Veltman-Geense (1974) has
attacked the problem of wave penetration both t h e o r e t i c a l l y and experimentally.
Properties required of armor units used to protect the exposed faces
of breakwaters are discussed in the following chapter.
-1.0
,
-0.8
,
-06
.
,
-OM -0,2
Relative S u b m e r g e n c e
10.0
0.0
^
Figure 5.3
WAVE TRANSMISSION FOR
SUBMERGED BREAKWATERS
28
6.
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
6.1.
Necessary Properties
J.F, Agema
Obviously materials used i n rubble mound breakwaters must have

certain properties. One of the more important properties is durabil i t y ; the material must be able to r e s i s t i t s environment f o r the
economic l i f e of the breakwater.
Environmental attack can come from various sources. Waves, esp e c i a l l y breaking waves, can exert high dynamic pressures on material
surfaces. The outer armor layer, especially, must be able to r e s i s t
these forces - see chapter 15. As w i l l be indicated there, impact forces
are most severe on f l a t v e r t i c a l or nearly v e r t i c a l surfaces. Therefore,
i r r e g u l a r l y shaped armor units are most often used. Sea water and p o l l u ted
harbor water can attack breakwater materials chemically. Thus, the
materials may not disolve or even corrode rapidly i n the environment.

Sunlight can influence the long term properties of materials such as
Nylon used f o r f i l t e r constructions - see chapter 9. Normally, such f i l ters are well protected from sunlight and no problems r e s u l t . Asphalt
can soften under the influence of heat from the sun. This may have cont r i b u t e d to the damage caused to the breakwater i n IJmuiden by a late
summer storm.
In addition to resistance to environmental attack, the materials must
have a reasonably high density. As w i l l be shown i n the f o l l o w i n g chap-t e r , the weight of individual armor units required is strongly dependent
upon t h e i r density. Obviously, they must be more dense than water, but
a d d i t i o n a l l y t h e i r resistance to displacement r e s u l t i n g from f r i c t i o n
forces is also related to t h e i r net underwater weight.
A d d i t i o n a l l y , i t is necessary that the breakwater materials be i n expensive. This is especially true f o r a rubble mound breakwater which
uses a r e l a t i v e l y large volume of material. Inexpensive does not necess a r i l y mean that the cheapest raw material must always be used, however.
For example, use of a more expensive material such as special concrete armor
units may r e s u l t i n s u f f i c i e n t savings on other materials and construct i o n equipment to prove to be economical. This item w i l l come up again
in chapter 11 on optimum design.
As i n indicated i n section 3 of chapter 4, each succeeding layer of
a rubble mound,breakwater must be capable of "containing" i t s adjacent
layer of f i n e r m a t e r i a l . This implies that the voids between elements of
a layer may not be too large r e l a t i v e to the size of material in adjacent
layers.
6.2. Desirable Properties

While the f o l l o w i n g properties are not absolutely necessary, mat e r i a l s having these properties in addition to those l i s t e d above can
prove to be more economical.
29
Materials which pack into rather porous layers (have high void
r a t i o ) tend to damp the waves more e f f e c t i v e l y . Also a savings i n t o t a l
weight of material results and wave forces acting on the outer layers
are reduced. On the other hand, t h i s desirable large porosity can be i n
c o n f l i c t with the containment property f o r armor layers l i s t e d above.
Armor units which more or less interlock can prove to be more res i s t a n t to wave forces since a l o c a l l y high wave force is d i s t r i b u t e d
throughout several u n i t s . I f , t h i s i n t e r l o c k i n g is disturbed, however,
severe damage can r e s u l t . Conservatism i n the design of breakwater crests
and ends is o f t e n advisable, since interlocking e f f e c t s are least pronounced where an armor layer curves sharply - see chapter 7.
6.3. Characterizing Coefficients f o r Armor Units
Now that the properties of rubble mound breakwater materials i n general and of armor units i n p a r t i c u l a r are well defined, we need to transl a t e these properties into quantitative parameter values suitable f o r
use i n computations. Luckily, these properties can be reduced to four parameters, two of which are important f o r s t a b i l i t y . These are each discussed a b i t below; values f o r them f o r s p e c i f i c armor units are given i n
the f o l l o w i n g section. Their use in computations is explaned i n chapter 7.
The most straightforward property of an armor u n i t to express quant i t a t i v e l y is i t s mass density, p ^ . Since the density is only dependent
upon the material used in the armor u n i t , densities of the common armor
u n i t materials w i l l be discussed here.
Granite, the most common natural armor stone ranges i n density from
3
3
3
2650 kg/m to 3000 kg/m with most sorts having a density near 2700 kg/m .
Basalt, another commonly used stone, has a density o f 2900 kg/m~^. Very
occasionally, limestone blocks are used i n a breakwater. I t s lower re3
sistance to environmental attack and lower density - 2300 to 2750 kg/m are a handicap.
Concrete f o r armor units usually ranges i n density between 2300 and
3
3000 kg/m . Special aggregates needed to achieve even higher concrete dens i t i e s usually prove to be too expensive to be economical. The concrete
2
used should have a 28 day strength of at least 30 N/mm .

The remaining properties of an armor unit - shape, degree of i n t e r l o c k i n g , roughness,location on breakwater, etc. - are combined into one so
called damage c o e f f i c i e n t , K^. This emperically determined c o e f f i c i e n t
and the density, p ^ , determine the necessary block weight f o r a given
slope geometry and wave condition - see chapter 7.
Two other parameters are of primary importance f o r dimensioning
and p r i c i n g a breakwater. The f i r s t of these indicates the degree to
which the armor units pack together and i s called a layer c o e f f i c i e n t ,
K^. I t represents the r a t i o of the length of a typical dimension of the
armor unit to the length of the edge of an equivalent cube and is used
to determine layer thicknesses.
L a s t l y , the volume o f voids i n an armor layer is given by i t s
porosity, n , the r a t i o of void volume to t o t a l volume. This is used,
p r i m a r i l y , i n determining the number of armor units needed f o r a given
project.
30
Details about a variety of armor u n i t s , l i s t e d i n alphabetical order, are given i n the following section. Agema (1972) and Hudson (1974)
also give summaries of available block forms.
Unless otherwise s p e c i f i e d , damage c o e f f i c i e n t values are given f o r
a double layer of randomly placed armor units subjected to non-breaking
waves in the main body of the breakwater.*
"Percent damage" refers to
the percentage of armor units i n the area exposed to attack which are
displaced so f a r that they no longer f u l f i l l t h e i r f u n c t i o n as armor. This
rather a r b i t r a r y damage measurement is chosen f o r i t s ease of measurement
(via counting) and u t i l i t y i n optimum design
procedures.
6.4. Armor Unit Types

a.
Akmon
An anvil shaped plain concrete block - the name comes from the Greek
f o r anvil - developed in 1962 by the D e l f t Hydraulics Laboratory. A photo

of such a block is shown i n f i g u r e 6 . 1 . Because of t h e i r high
value, a
massive monolithic crest is suggested. The density o f the blocks is the

same as that f o r concrete. The damage c o e f f i c i e n t has be'en found to vary
according to the allowable damage as f o l l o w s :
Damage
K,
m
0
4.8
11.
12.
^ 17
Further, slopes of up to 1:1.33 are possible. The p o r o s i t y , n ,

is 55 to 60%, and the layer c o e f f i c i e n t ,
is about 1.00. The data
presented above are based upon only a l i m i t e d number o f model t e s t s .

Reference: Paape and Walther (1962)
F i g u r e 5.1
AKMON ARMOR UNIT
See
chapter 7 and Shore
Froteot-Lon
Manual.
31
b.
Cob
The cob is a hollow concrete block made by casting only the edges
of a cube - see f i g u r e 6.2. They are normally placed i n a regular pattern i n a single layer; they must be placed with t h e i r sides touching.
Preliminary model test data indicates that cobs have very high
damage c o e f f i c i e n t values, but give no q u a n t i t a t i v e information. Instead,
i t is suggested that model tests be conducted when s p e c i f i c applications
are being considered. A monolithic crest construction w i l l be required
in order to guarantee t h e i r s t a b i l i t y .
Cobs have a porosity of about 58% and a layer c o e f f i c i e n t ,
of
1.33. This high porosity implies that a major part o f the core containment f u n c t i o n must be accomplished by lower armor layers.
Reference: Anon (1970): A r t i f i c i a l Armouring of Marine Structures.
c.
Cube
Cubes of stone or concrete have been used as breakwater armor f o r
centuries. As such, they are, with natural stone, the oldest u n i t s . F i gure 6.3 shows a photo of a concrete cube. Obviously, t h e i r density i s
dependent upon the concrete used. Cut stone cubes are no longer economical now that concrete can be worked so e f f i c i e n t l y .
Damage c o e f f i c i e n t values are l i s t e d below:
Damage
Kr,
(%)
0
3.5
7.
8.
^ 14
Randomly placed cubes have a porosity of about 47% and a packing

c o e f f i c i e n t , K^, of about 1.10.
Reference: Paape and Walther (1962).
Figure 6.3
CONCRETE CUBE
32
d.
Cube, modified
Various attempts have been made to modify the cube form i n order
to increase i t s damage c o e f f i c i e n t value and save m a t e r i a l . Three of the

forms proposed are shown in f i g u r e 6.4; a l l are made from plain concrete.
Since so l i t t l e data is available and a certain degree of confusion exists
about the naming of these blocks, no s p e c i f i c design data i s presented.
References: Agema (1972)
Shore
Vroteotion
Manual
Hudson (1974)
0 . BH 3 block
b. mod i tied cube
c_. stolk block
Figure 5. L
MODIFIED CUBE FORMS
e.
Dolos
Dolosse are anchor shaped plain concrete armor units designed to
interlock with each other even when placed randomly. Figure 6.5 shows
such a u n i t , developed i n South A f r i c a .
Figure 6.5
DOLOS
33
Because of. i t s good i n t e r l o c k i n g c a p a b i l i t y , the dolos has the

highest damage c o e f f i c i e n t value - KQ = 2 2 to 2 5 , Because of t h i s , a
breakwater face may f a i l by means other than armor u n i t displacement
down the slope. A s l i p f a i l u r e of the entire slope is the most probable
unless slopes f l a t t e r than 1 : 2 ( v e r t i c a l : h o r i z o n t a l ) are used.
Dolosse have a porosity, n, of 6 3 % and a layer c o e f f i c i e n t , K^-, of
1.00.
f.
Quadripod - see Tetrapod
g.
Quarry Stone - -Rough

This is natural stone obtained by blasting w i t h i n a rock quarry.
I t is characterized by a very rough, angular, i r r e g u l a r shape.

Such stone has a damage c o e f f i c i e n t dependent upon the acceptable
damage.
Damage
{%)
0-5
h
4.0
5-10
4.9
10-15
6.6
15-20
8.0
20-30
10.0
30-40
12.2
40-50
15.0
I t s porosity i n a layer, n , is about 37% and i t has a layer coeff i c i e n t , K ^ , of between 1 . 0 0 and 1 . 1 5 .
Reference: Shore
h.
Protection
Manual
Quarry Stone - Smooth

This is also stone obtained by blasting w i t h i n a quarry, but more
regularly shaped and smoother than the previous s o r t . Since i t s smoothness

reduces i t s e f f e c t i v e f r i c t i o n between armor elements, i t tends to have
lower damage c o e f f i c i e n t s than other stone:
Damage
(%)
0-5
h
2.4
5-10
3.0
10-15
3.6
15-20
4.1
20-30
5.1
30-40
6.7
40-50
8.7
34
Smooth stone has a porosity of about 38% and a layer c o e f f i c i e n t

of 1.02.
Reference: Shove
i.
Proteotion
Manual
Tetrapod and Quadripod

Both tetrapods.and-quadripods are plain concrete armor units
consisting of four arms projecting from a central hub. The angular

spacing between a l l arms of a tetrapod is the same; Three of the
four arms of a quadripod extend h o r i z o n t a l l y while the f o u r t h arm extends v e r t i c a l l y . The tetrapod was developed by SOGREAH i n France i n
1950; the quadripod by the U.S. Corps o f Engineers i n 1959. These units
are l i s t e d here together because they have i d e n t i c a l design properties.
Figure 6.6 shows a photo of a tetrapod.
Figure 6.5
TETRAPOD
The damage c o e f f i c i e n t values vary with the allowable damage:

Damage
KD*
(%)
0-5
8.3
5-10
10.8
10-15
13.4
15-20
15,9
20-30
19.2
30-40
23.4
40-50
27.8
* The values l i s t e d are given by Hudson (1974); Paape and Walther

(1962) report much lower values.
35
Here, also, because o f a high
value, a monolithic crest construc-
t i o n is usually required to guarantee that the units do not s l i d e up the

breakwater slope.
Tetrapod armor layers have a p o r o s i t y , n, of 50% and a layer coeff i c i e n t , K^, o f 1.04.
Reference: Danel, Chapus, and Dhaille (1960)
j.
Tribar
A t r i b a r is a plain concrete u n i t consisting of three v e r t i c a l
c y l i n d r i c a l bars connected to a central hub. I t was developed in

the United States in 1958. Unlike the previous armor u n i t s , t r i b a r s are
sometimes arranged in a single layer with the axes o f the three c y l i n ders perpendicular to the slope. Figure 6.7 shows such an armor u n i t .
In a single uniformly placed layer the t r i b a r has a damage c o e f f i cient of about 14. When i t is randomly placed in a double layer then the
f o l l o w i n g values have been found:
Damage
Kj^
{%)
0-5
10.4
5-10
14.2
10-15
19.4
15-20
26.2
20-30
35.2
30-40
41,8
40-50
45,9
A monolithic crest construction is required to prevent the units from

s l i d i n g up the breakwater face, especially when a single uniform layer
is used,
A single uniform layer of t r i b a r s has a porosity of 47% and a layer
c o e f f i c i e n t of 1.13. The high porosity has implications f o r the secondary armor layer which must be very e f f e c t i v e at containing the lower
layers. See chapter 7 section 4.
Reference: Hudson (1974)
6.5. Armor Selection
As one may conclude from the variety of armor u n i t shapes a v a i l a b l e ,
no single type of armor u n i t is universally acceptable. Quarry stone armor
is usually cheapest per ton but a larger volume is needed than when concrete units are used. Why? - because the lower Kp value r e q u i r e s , f l a t t e r
slopes to achieve the same s t a b i l i t y . See chapter 7, On the other hand,
a concrete plant is not needed when quarry stone is used.
36
I f , on the other hand, a r t i f i c i a l armor units are selected, then o f ten one having a r e l a t i v e l y high
value such as tetrapods or dolosse can
prove most economical since the breakwater cross section can be made much
smaller and/or l i g h t e r units can be used. The monolithic crest construction
can even save t o t a l material cost by allowing - sometimes - a lower crest
and l i g h t e r lee side armor than would otherwise be possible.
In the following chapter, where computations of necessary armor unit
weights are presented, some of these items come up again.
6.6. Methods to Increase S t a b i l i t y
I t is conceivable that armor layers having even higher e f f e c t i v e
damage c o e f f i c i e n t values can be economical. What are the methods available to increase the Kp value of armor units?
One technique used on the breakwater extension at IJmuiden was to
add asphalt to the stone armor layer. This served as a binder causing
the armor layer to f u n c t i o n as a unit and was, t h e r e f o r e , more resistant to wave attack than the individual stones. Unfortunately, the
asphalt was also s u f f i c i e n t to form a w a t e r - t i g h t covering such as is
common on dikes. This required that the armor layer r e s i s t the r e s u l t i n g
hydrostatic u p l i f t forces. Further, the reduced porosity increased the
wave run-up the slopes. These l a s t two problems are, of course, detriment a l to a design.
A proposed a l t e r n a t i v e is to use smaller quantities o f asphalt placed
here and there on the armor layer surface to t i e individual armor units
together into larger units but not to form a closed
layer.
The hope is
expressed by proponents of t h i s that s u f f i c i e n t prorosity w i l l be maintained to prevent hydrostatic u p l i f t pressures and to s t i l l absorb the
wave energy.
Development of these concepts is proceeding slowly, p a r t i a l l y because
of the d i f f i c u l t y of scaling the e l a s t o - p l a s t i c properties of asphalt in
a model.
37
7.
ARMOR COMPUTATIONS
L.E. van Loo

W.W. Massie
7 . 1 . History
Until less than f i f t y years ago, rubble mound breakwaters were
designed purely based upon experience, usually in prototype. Castro
(1933) seems to have published the f i r s t modern work on t h i s subject.
I n i t i a l attempts to compute necessary armor u n i t sizes were based
upon theoretical considerations of the equilibrium of a single armor
u n i t on a slope. One need only to visualize the complex flow patterns
in a breaking wave rushing up a breakwater slope to conclude that a
purely theoretical approach is impossible. The theoretical background
of the currently used formula is indicated in the following section.
7.2. Theoretical Background
Consider a single armor u n i t resting on a slope making an angle e
with respect to the horizontal as shown in f i g u r e 7 . 1 .
The wave f o r c e , F, acting on the block, can be approximated very
crudely by considering the drag force of the water excerted on the block.
This approach yields a force proportional to the u n i t weight of water,
the projected area of the armor u n i t and the water surface slope. When
we f u r t h e r l e t the surface slope be proportional to the wave height
(This is reasonable since the wave length is determined by the wave period
and water depth o n l y . ) then i n a mathematical form:
2
g, H, d )
a (p,
(7.01)
where:
F is the drag f o r c e ,
d is a c h a r a c t e r i s t i c dimension of the block,
g is the acceleration of g r a v i t y ,
H is the wave height,
p is the mass density of water, and
a denotes "is proportional t o " .
Other assumptions about the force description can be made; a l l run
into d i f f i c u l t i e s somewhere. Therefore, (7.01) w i l l be transformed i n t o an
equation by introducing a p r o p o r t i o n a l i t y constant,
F = a
a:
(7.02)
g H d^
This force can act e i t h e r up (uprush) or down (backwash) the slope

as shown in f i g u r e 7 . 1 .
Using f i g u r e 7 . 1 , equilibrium of forces perpendicular to the
slope y i e l d s :
N = W
sub cos
where N is the normal f o r c e .
(7.03)
38
This normal force is related to the f r i c t i o n f o r c e , f , by the

c o e f f i c i e n t of s t a t i c (Coulomb) f r i c t i o n , v.
f =
y N
(7.04)
Equilibrium p a r a l l e l to the slope i n f i g u r e 7.1a (uprush case)

yields:
f = F - W^^j^ sin e
(7.05a)
and f o r backwash ( f i g . 7.1b):

f = F + Wg^jjj sin e
(7.05b)
or, more generally:
f 1 F - ^sub
.(7.06a)
f 1 F + Wg^j[j sin e
(7.06b)
and
respectively. These become:

cos e + sin 6 ) i a
W2y,^(y cos
p g H d^
(7.07a)
e - sin 8) ^ a p g H d^
(7.07b)
The submerged weight o f the armor u n i t can be expressed as i t s

u n i t weight,
g, times i t s volume minus the weight of displaced water.
I t is assumed, f u r t h e r , that the volume of the armor unit may be expressed as some constant, b, times the cube of i t s c h a r a c t e r i s t i c d i mension, d. In equation form:
"sub = (Pa - P) g b d^
(7.08)
Substitution of (7.08) into (7.07) y i e l d s :

3
2
(Pg - p) g b d (u cos e + sin e ) ^ a p g H d
(7.09a)
(Pg - p) g b d'^ (u cos e - sin 6 ) ^ a p g H d^
(7.09b)
which reduce to:

p, - P
( ^ ) b d (y COS e + sin 6 ) ^ a H
(7.10a)
p , -'P
( - 2 ^ ) b d (ji cos 6 - sin e ) ^ a H

f o r uprush and backwash respectively.
(7.10b)
39
Analogous to the notation used i n density currents (volume I chapter 22),

let:
p,
- P
(7.11)
Substituting
(7.11) in (7.10), rearranging, and cubing both sides yields
b^d3>-^
b3
ijl
A ( u COS 6
+ sin
0)
A ( u COS
- sin
e)
^
G
(7.12a)
(7.12b)
The weight, i n a i r , of our armor u n i t i s :

W = Pg g b d^
(7.13)
(7.13) in (7,12) results i n :
W 1
A {\i COS
f o r uprush, and
Pa
W ^
A
3
(y
(7.14a)
(7.14b)
e + sin e)
3
9 7Z h2
COS
e - sin
6)
f o r backwash,
This is e f f e c t i v e l y the formula derived by I r i b a r r e n (1938).
A primary disadvantage of equation 7.14 is i t s abundance o f emperical
c o e f f i c i e n t s ; a, b, y , and p^ a l l must be determined f o r a given armor u n i t
type. This has led to many emperical a l t e r n a t i v e proposals to replace
I r i b a r r e n ' s formula with a simpler one.
While these a l t e r n a t i v e formulations have even less of a theoretical
background, they often prove to be more handy in p r a c t i c e . A summary of these
formulas is presented in a Report
Study of Wave Effects
of the Intemational
Commission
for
the
of the PIANC (1976). I t would serve no purpose to d i s -
cuss a l l of these formulas here i n d i v i d u a l l y . Instead, the shaded area in

f i g u r e 7,2 shows the range of results obtained using the various available
formulas. Angular stone armor units having a given density and exposed to a
constant wave height were assumed.
One of the more convenient alternatives to equation 7,14 is developed
in the next section.
40
7.3. The Hudson Formula

Hudson (1953) developed an emperical formula f o r the weight of armor
units based upon his analysis of model data obtained at the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station.
As an equation i t i s :
W=
\
Kp A
.
C0t(6)
where:
H is the wave height,
Kp is the damage c o e f f i c i e n t ,
W is the weight of the armor u n i t ,
A is the r e l a t i v e density of the armor u n i t ,
, = - y
e is the slope of the breakwater,
pg is the mass density of the armor u n i t , and
p is the mass density of (sea) water.
(7.15)
41
Equation 7.15, o f t e n called the Hudson Equation, has been used

and v e r i f i e d in large and small scale models as well as prototypes
during the years since 1953, A d d i t i o n a l l y , i t avoids the separate
equations f o r uprush and backwash proposed by I r i b a r r e n . Even so, i t
has some s i g n i f i c a n t and important l i m i t a t i o n s :
a.
I t is v a l i d only f o r slopes such that cot(e) is not less than 1.5
b.
I t was developed f o r the f r o n t of a breakwater subject to non-
(6 < 3 3 . 7 ) .
breaking waves. This implies that the depth at the toe of the breakwater, h.^, is s u f f i c i e n t l y great that the oncoming waves are not
H
*
broken or unstable. When t h i s is not the case ( i . e . r - > 0.6) then
t h i s can be accounted f o r by lowering the value of
- see the
Shore
c.
Vrotectvon
* *
Manual,
I t is v a l i d only f o r the f r o n t slope of a breakwater. Since attack

of the crest or inner slope of the breakwater by overtopping waves
is not considered, then i t is i m p l i c i t l y
assumed that the crest ele-
vation is greater than the run-up.

d.
The wave (storm)conditions are characterized by a single parameter,

H. While the e f f e c t of breaking of the waves has been considered
above,(item b ) , the e f f e c t s of a storm's duration is not considered
at a l l . Font (1968) and Nijboer (1972) have investigated t h i s aspect,
however. The l a t t e r author found that the damage was reasonably i n dependent of the storm duration except when the design wave height
was exceeded by more than 30 percent. These model tests were conducted using regular waves and stone armor u n i t s .
In c o n t r a s t ' t o I r i b a r r e n ' s formula, the properties of the armor unit
are described by only two parameters,
and Kp. Values f o r Kp f o r many
types of armor units were given in the previous chapter.

Generally, the c h a r a c t e r i s t i c wave height chosen f o r a rubble mound
breakv/ater design is the s i g n i f i c a n t wave height, ^^^g-
Hudson's o r i g i n a l
tests were conducted with regular waves. Nijboer (1972) points out the
danger of replacing a monochromatic wave height with a s i g n i f i c a n t wave
height from a spectrum. He found in a model study of stone armor that
the damage caused by a spectrum of waves characterized by H^-jg was
greater than that caused by monochromatic waves of the same height.
This e f f e c t became more pronounced as the spectrum width increased.*
The f a c t that the c h a r a c t e r i s t i c wave f o r the Hudson Formula
is the s i g n i f i c a n t wave, Hg.|g, has a s i m p l i f y i n g consequence f o r the
optimum design of a rubble mound breakwater. The procedure f o r combining
the long-term and Rayleigh wave height d i s t r i b u t i o n s (volume I , chapt e r 11) can be skipped. Details of what must be done f o r the current
problem are given i n chapter 11 of t h i s volume.
^
This value is more conservative than that given in the Shore
Proteotion
Manual,
Kp values f o r breaking waves are about 87% of the corresponding values

f o r non-breaking waves. Ahrens (1970) has studied t h i s f u r t h e r .
This could l o g i c a l l y lead to the choice of a d i f f e r e n t (higher) charact e r i s t i c wave height f o r use in equation 7.15.
42
The Hudson Formula was developed f o r use on the outer layer of the
main (trunk) portion of a breakwater. Further, as already mentioned, i t
applies only to the f r o n t slope. While the formula is very helpful even
with these r e s t r i c t i o n s i t can sometimes be applied to other cases as
w e l l ; t h i s is discussed in the following section.
7.4. Special Applications
Breakwater ends
The convex shape of the end of a breakwater can be expected to i n crease the exposure of the armor units to wave attack. In a d d i t i o n , the
convexity can reduce the degree of i n t e r l o c k i n g between adjacent armor
u n i t s . Both e f f e c t s can be incorporated in the Hudson Formula, equation
7.15, by reducing the value of the damage c o e f f i c i e n t , K^, appropriately.
This reduction amounts to between ten and f o r t y percent depending upon
the type of armor u n i t . The reduction is usually greatest f o r armor units
having the higher Kp values (most i n t e r l o c k i n g ) . The Shore
Proteotion
Manual tabulates Kp values f o r ends of breakwaters (structure head). Often the lower Kp value is compensated by selecting somewhat f l a t t e r slopes
at the end so that the same armor size may be used.
Toe
The Hudson Formula can be applied d i r e c t l y to the design of the toe
of a breakwater exposed to breaking waves. This is discussed in more d e t a i l
in chapter 9.
Secondary armor
A breakwater must be stable during construction as well as a f t e r
i t s completion. Thus, i t is necessary that the inner layers d i r e c t l y
under the primary armor (secondary armor) be dimensioned to withstand
the waves that can be reasonably expected during the construction
period. The Hudson Formula may be applied d i r e c t l y to t h i s problem in
the same way that i t is used f o r the primary armor layer. Because of
the l i m i t e d exposure time, however, a somewhat less severe storm can
be used. Usually, t h i s secondary layer w i l l be made from stone having
a weight of about 1/10 of that of the primary armor.
When especially porous armor unit placement is used in a single
layer we must be especially aware of the containment f u n c t i o n of the
secondary armor. This extra function is most apparent when cobs or
t r i b a r s are used f o r the outer armor. See chapter 6.
Angular wave attack
As we have seen in volumes I and I I , the angle of wave approach
is very important to the s t a b i l i t y of a beach. For a breakwater, however, the angle of wave attack
is not important f o r the s t a b i l i t y of
the armor. Even waves propagating along orthogonals p a r a l l e l to the

breakwater axis have been observed to damage the armor layer. The reason
f o r t h i s has not yet been s u f f i c i e n t l y investigated, but may be that the
weight of the armor unit no longer contributes d i r e c t l y to i t s s t a b i l i t y
43
when equilibrium along a slope contour l i n e is being considered - see

f i g u r e 7.3 and compare to f i g u r e 7 . 1 ,
Inner slope
The Hudson formula may be used to investigate the s t a b i l i t y of the
inner slope of a breakwater subject to direat
lee side
attack
from waves on the
of the s t r u c t u r e . These waves may be generated w i t h i n the har-
bor by winds or passing ships or may enter the harbor through the entrance
or by overtopping another portion
of the breakwater.
The Hudson Formula is inadequate^
however, to predict armor weights
necessary to withstand the attack from waves s p i l l i n g over the breakwater

crest from the opposite side of the s t r u c t u r e . ^
Detailed model studies are required to investigate the behavior of
breakwaters too low to prevent overtopping.
Crest
The Hudson Formula i s also inadequate to dimension armor units
f o r the crest of a breakwater overtopped by waves; Once again, detailed
model tests are required.
Armor units having higher damage c o e f f i c i e n t values need additional
support at the top of t h e i r slope. Monolithic crest structures are then
required. Even though these are usually more expensive to c o n s t r u c t , i n
themselves they can save enough t o t a l material to be economical.
7.5, S e n s i t i v i t y of Hudson Formula
Not a l l of the parameters i n the Hudson Formula, equation 7.15, can
be exactly determined f o r a given design problem. Therefore, i t can be
i n s t r u c t i v e to examine the influence of small changes of the various parameter values upon the r e s u l t i n g weight of the armor u n i t . In the f o l l o wing discussion the influence of a given change i n a parameter is r e f l e c ted i n a change in the armor weight, W, A l l other parameters are assumed
to be constant. For convenience, equation 7.15 is repeated here:
,3
(7.15)
W
Kp A cot(e)
When the wave height increases by
the required armor weight
increases by 33/. A 10% decrease i n wave height decreases the blockweight by 27%. Thus, the formula magnifies small errors i n wave height.
Increasing the density of the armor u n i t by 10% decreases the armor weight needed by about 30% f o r normal values of armor and water dens i t i e s ^ * Decreasing the density by 10% increases the necessary weight
by 55%: What i s the e f f e c t o f s u b s t i t u t i n g Swedish Granite (p^ = 2650 kg/m^)
f o r .Basalt (Pg = 2900 kg/m ) f o r armor units? The r a t i o of the armor weights
is:
* This is the reason t h a t the crest elevation was e a r l i e r assumed to
exceed the run-up.
1025 kg/m'^ and p
= 2600 kg/m'^.
w,sub
IN
Figure
7.3
EQUILIBRIUM
ALONG CONTOUR
44
'^granite
(2900 - 1025)^
2650
'^basalt
'^^^^
(2650 - 1025)''
= 1.40
,-,
(7.17)
The granite blocks must be 40%.heavier than the basalt stone

to achieve the same s t a b i l i t y .
Increasing the
value by 10% decreases the necessary armor
weight by 9%. This change i n the damage c o e f f i c i e n t could be accomplished

by selecting a d i f f e r e n t type of armor or possibly by accepting a greater
damage to the structure during exposure to a given storm; see chapter 6.
7.6. Choice of Armor Units
The s e n s i t i v i t y of the Hudson Formula to wave height changes has been
demonstrated in the previous section. The wave height chosen f o r design
purposes is seldom accurately related to a frequency of occurrence.
Equivalently, the s i g n i f i c a n t wave height associated with a given frequency
of occurrence,such as once per ten y e a r s , i s seldom accurately determined.
Thus, i t seems appropriate to select an armor u n i t which forms a layer most
resistant to waves (storms) which may exceed the design c o n d i t i o n .
Normally, the Kp values used in equation 7.15 are associated with only
s l i g h t damage to the armor layer - perhaps 1% of the units e f f e c t i v e l y removed. On the other hand, i f we wish to accept a higher damage to our design
we can account f o r t h i s by increasing the damage c o e f f i c i e n t values in the
Hudson Formula. This is the background of the tables of Kp versus percent
damage given f o r some armor units in chapter 6. How can t h i s information
be used to predict damage when the design wave heights are exceeded?
Once v;e have made a design and selected an armor u n i t , then the only
variables l e f t in the Hudson Equation are Kp and H. Equation 7.15 can be
transformed to show the r e l a t i o n s h i p :
Kp =
3'
WA
(7.18)
cot(e)
yielding:
H*=-\^/?.H
(7.19)
where:
H* is the unknown wave height causing a chosen experimentally
determined damage,
H
Kp
is the wave height f o r no damage,

is the damage c o e f f i c i e n t f o r the damage percentage caused by H ,
and
Kpi' is the damage c o e f f i c i e n t f o r no damage.
45
Thus,
1/3
TT
(7.20)
K,
D
We can use equation 7.20 to compare t r i b a r s to tetrapods, f o r example.

Using data from chapter 6, we can make the computation shown i n table 7.1
in which the wave height ratios are computed using equation 7.20. The results
are also shown in a graph, f i g u r e 7.4; i t appears that t r i b a r s are superior.
TABLE 7.1
COMPARISON OF ARMOR UNITS
Damage
Tetrapods
Tribars
TT
'^D
IT
{%)
(-)
(-)
(-)
(-)
0-5
8.3
1.00
10,4
1,00
5-10
10.8
1.09
14,2
1,11
10-15
13.4
1.17
19.4
1.23
15-20
15.9
1.24
26.2
1.36
20-30
19.2
1.32
35.2
1.50
30-40
2^3 .'4
1,41
41.8
1.59
40-50
27.8
1.50
45,9
1.64
10
20
30
Damage to A r m o r layer
AO
50
(%)
Figure 74
COMPARISON OF ARMOR UNITS
One must be careful about drawing conclusions based solely upon computations of the sort j u s t carried out. Nothing is indicated about the
absolute block weights required or about differences in capital costs of
various armor u n i t s .
Data necessary f o r determining f i g u r e 7.4 are available only f o r a few
types of armor u n i t s . For other armor, detailed model tests are needed too
determine the relationship shown i n the f i g u r e . Except f o r very small projects i t is strongly recommended that model tests always be used to v e r i f y
the given c o e f f i c i e n t s f o r the s p e c i f i c project under consideration.
Armor layer design considerations unrelated to the Hudson Formula
are considered in the following two sections of t h i s chapter.
7.7. Layer Extent and Thickness
Since the primary armor layer can be more expensive to construct
than other portions of the breakwater, i t is advantageous to l i m i t the
area covered by primary armor units as much as possible consistent
with s t a b i l i t y needs. Only a few rules of thumb exist to indicate the
necessary extent of t h i s armor layer. These should be confirmed by experiments i f the project is at a l l extensive.
Normally the primary armor units are extended downward on the breakwater slope to an elevation of 1.5 H below the s t i l l water l e v e l . Whether
an extreme storm f l o o d water level and a severe storm must be chosen or a
moderate storm with low water level depends upon which condition results
in the lowest absolute elevation f o r the bottom of the primary armor.
46
The primary armor extends upward along the f r o n t slope at least to

the crest elevation. I f the crest elevation has been chosen such that no or
very l i t t l e overtopping can be expected, then there is no great reason to
extend the armor over the crest and down the inner slope. I t is uneconomical
to construct a rubble mound breakwater higher than needed to prevent
overtopping . The only need f o r a s t i l l higher construction - v i s i b i l i t y

for shipping - can be realized more cheaply using daybeacons or even l i g h t s .
The armor on the inner slope of a non-overtopping breakwater can be
dimensioned i n the conventional way using the wave climate on the lee side
as design input.
I f , on the other hand, moderate to severe overtopping is expected,
then the primary armor must extend across the crest and down the inner slope
to an elevation s l i g h t l y below the lowest s t i l l water l e v e l . Severest damage
w i l l probably occur at the top of the inner slope where the armor units are
least protected from the water s p i l l i n g over the crest.
When a monolithic crest construction is used to provide additional support to special armor units such as tetrapods or t r i b a r s , then overtopping
is not usually allowed. The possible extra height needed to prevent t h i s
overtopping is compensated by a steeper slope and simpler construction on
the lee side.
The layer thickness, t , can be computed from the f o l l o w i n g semiemperical formula:
t = m K f^^)^/^
(7,21)
where:
m is the number o f layers of armor units - usually 2, sometimes
1 or 3,
is an emperical layer c o e f f i c i e n t l i s t e d f o r each type o f unit
in chapter 6, and
t is the layer thickness.
The number o f armor units needed per u n i t of primary armor layer
surface area can be estimated from:
C = m K,(l - n ) ( ^ ) 2 / 3
(7.22)
where:
C is the number of armor units per unit area o f armor l a y e r , and
n is the armor u n i t layer porosity expressed as a decimal and
l i s t e d i n chapter 5 f o r each type o f armor u n i t .
I t is o f t e n uneconomical to build one t h i s highl
47
7.8. Crest Width

The crest width of a rubble mound breakwater Is determined by the
degree of wave overtopping and construction requirements. When there Is
no overtopping, the waves no longer Influence the choice of crest width.
When overtopping Is expected and primary armor units cover the crest, then
the crest should be at least wide enough to allow three armor units to be
placed across I t . Thus:
where:
B Is the crest width, and
m' Is the number of armor units across the crest - usually at least 3.
When a breakwater is to be constructed or maintained by construction
equipment working from the crest, then the crest width w i l l possibly be
dictated by the space needed f o r e f f i c i e n t use of the chosen equipment.
This w i l l be discussed again in chapter 10.
7.9. Review
The background and use of the currently popular semi-emperical
relations f o r rubble mound breakwater armor layer computations have
j u s t been presented.
Because of t h e i r emperical nature,, the equations
must be used with caution. Extrapolation, f o r example, is incorrect and

irresponsible.
In practice the formulas presented here and the c o e f f i c i e n t s l i s t e d
in chapter 6 should, at best, be considered to be guidelines. Extensive
model t e s t i n g is required f o r a l l except the most modest p r o j e c t s .
The requirements f o r and design of the deeper layers of a breakwater
are discussed in the following two chapters.
48
8.
THE CORE
J.F. Agema
E.W.
8.1.
Bijker
Function
The primary function of the core material of a rubble mound
breakwater is to support the covering armor layers in t h e i r proper

p o s i t i o n . A secondary f u n c t i o n , s t i p u l a t e d when the breakwater must
be sand-tight, is that the core be reasonably impermeable. I t need,
in f a c t , only be impermeable to sand; water may continue to flow through
it.
In practice, however, a designer should not plan on constructing a
sandtight dam which wi.11 allow much water to pass through i t - at least
not
f o r long. Marine growth within a breakwater core can reduce i t s
permeability s i g n i f i c a n t l y w i t h i n a few years.

Occasionally, i t is required that a breakwater be w a t e r t i g h t . This
is often t r u e , f o r example, when a breakwater must serve to guide the
cooling water f o r a thermal power s t a t i o n . In such applications d i r e c t
t r a n s f e r of discharged water to the intake water can be detrimental to
the thermodynamic e f f i c i e n c y of the p l a n t . Special impermeable core constructions-must then be provided. These types of cores are described in
the l i t e r a t u r e and courses on dikes.
The choice of a core material w i l l have an influence on the armor
u n i t s . As the permeability o f the core decreases, the portion o f the
wave energy expended upon the armor layers increases, r e s u l t i n g in a
higher e f f e c t i v e attack on these u n i t s . Quantitative information can be
obtained only from model experiments.
8.2. Materials
Since most any non-floating material w i l l be s u f f i c i e n t to support
the cover layer, the choice of a core material i s . u s u a l l y dictated by
constructional or economic requirements.
When quarry stone is used f o r armor, then the f i n e r t a i l i n g s - scrap
material from the quarry, often called quarry run - can be advantageously
used in the core. This m a t e r i a l , because of i t s well d i s t r i b u t e d range of
grain sizes, (usually) forms a rather impervious core.
I f this sort of well graded material is not
a v a i l a b l e , other core
constructions can be conceived. Small (a few hundred kilogram) concrete

blocks have been used in some cases. Rubble from razed masonry buildings
has even been used occasionally.
I f an impermeable core is required, but the available core materials
win
remain too permeable f o r sand and water, asphalt or grout can be
injected into the core to decrease i t s permeability. Of these materials,

asphalt is probably to be preferred since i t maintains a degree of
p l a s t i c i t y during settlement of the s t r u c t u r e .
The core of a breakwater or even that of a seawall is fundamentally d i f f e r e n t from that of a dike. F i r s t , the core is usually the only
impermeable part of a breakwater while a dike usually has several im-
49
permeable layers. Second, at best a breakwater need only be absol u t e l y impervious to sand; there is usually no need to prevent water
seepage - something which can be disasterous to a dike.
8.3. Construction Methods

When reasonably f i n e material can be used f o r a core, much of t h i s
core can o f t e n be placed simply by dumping the material from bottom dump
hopper barges. This sort of construction technique is less advantageous
when coarser material must be used.
One must be cautious i n design to provide adequate protection f o r
the core material during construction. This w i l l be highlighted as part
of chapter 10.
50
9.
FILTER AND TOE CONSTRUCTIONS
E.W. B i j k e r
9 . 1 . Description and Functions

F i l t e r layers are the undermost layers of a rubble mound breakwater which serve to prevent excessive settlement of the s t r u c t u r e .
This prevention is accomplished by hindering the erosion of bottom
material by water moving through the pores of the breakwater. Thus,
f i l t e r constructions are most necessary when the natural bottom
consists o f easily eroded material such as f i n e sand.
Toe constructions form an extension of the f i l t e r beyond the l i mits of the normal breakwater cross section and serve to support the
lower edge of the armor layer. In a d d i t i o n , these toe constructions
can act as a bottom revetment along the breakwater to prevent scour
immediately adjacent to the toe from jeopardizing the foundation i n t e g r i t y . These, too, are most necessary when the bottom material can be
easily eroded.
9.2. The Physical Phenomena Involved
The erosion of bottom material under a breakwater i s caused by
local currents r e s u l t i n g from wave pressure f l u c t u a t i o n s . This is
shown i n schematic form in f i g u r e 9 . 1 .
f i l t e r layer
Figure 9.1
REPRESENTATION OF PRESSURES
VÎTHIN BREAKVi'ATER
When there are no waves, the pressures at the bottom at
sections
a and b are equal, there is no flow and we have no problems. However,

at an instant when wave p r o f i l e 1 is present, a pressure gradient results in a flow from a to b through the breakwater pores. A short
time l a t e r - wave p r o f i l e 2 - the pressure gradient and flow d i r e c t i o n
are reversed. This a l t e r n a t i n g flow can cause local scour of bed material
r e s u l t i n g in settlement o f the breakwater.
The short wave theory presented in chapter 5 o f volume I is inadequate to predict the pressure d i s t r i b u t i o n w i t h i n the breakwater. An
extra pressure damping is introduced by the material of the breakwater.
51
This damping is a f u n c t i o n of the breakwater material grain size and

was investigated by de Lara (1955) and by Le Mhaut (1957-58).
The v e l o c i t i e s r e s u l t i n g from the pressure f l u c t u a t i o n s are even
harder to determine. Physical models run into problems since the porosity
of the breakwater material does not follow simple scaling laws. VeltmanGeense (1974) has investigated t h i s . Even though average
flow v e l o c i t i e s
near the bottom of a breakwater may be small, the i r r e g u l a r i t y of the flow

channel form can lead to l o c a l l y high v e l o c i t i e s which result in scour
and thus settlement.
Obviously, t h i s settlement does not continue i n d e f i n i -
t e l y . As the breakwater material penetrates deeper the damping influence

become greater; eventually an equilibrium is reached. Unfortunately i f no
f i l t e r were b u i l t , settlements of several meters could be possible,
resul-
t i n g i n much waste of material. Therefore, i t is usually more economical

to b u i l t a f i l t e r under a breakwater located on an erodible bed. The purpose of t h i s f i l t e r w i l l be to prevent the occurrence of f l o w v e l o c i t i e s
high enough to cause erosion of f i n e bed m a t e r i a l .
An additional purpose of the toe construction is to prevent the armor
units from s l i d i n g down the face of the breakwater. This is also shown in
figure 9.1.
9.3. Design C r i t e r i a f o r F i l t e r s
An adequate f i l t e r construction on a sand bed must s a t i s f y two c r i t e r i a
a,
i t must prevent the erosion of material from under the breakwater
caused by horizontal currents, and

b.
i t must prevent the formation of a quicksand condition caused by
an abrupt v e r t i c a l flow (pressure gradient) in the sand.

Most f i l t e r constructions which s a t i s f y one of the above conditions
w i l l s a t i s f y the other as w e l l . Model tests of f i l t e r s run into scale d i f f i c u l t i e s ; o f t e n f u l l scale tests are conducted f o r large or important
breakwater projects.
9.4. Design C r i t e r i a f o r Toes
In addition to the c r i t e r i a already l i s t e d f o r f i l t e r s in the previous
section, toe constructions must also remain stable under the action of
waves, currents and the l a t e r a l load from armor units on the slope. In
a d d i t i o n , extended revetment type toe constructions must be f l e x i b l e enough
to f o l l o w changes in the bottom p r o f i l e which can r e s u l t from local scour
near the revetment edge.
The currents which cause erosion in t h i s area may r e s u l t from wave
pressure f l u c t u a t i o n s , but may also be caused by tides or a longshore current.
9.5. F i l t e r Layer Constructions
A conventional f i l t e r layer is usually b u i l t up of a few layers of
progressively coarser gravel. The construction work must be carried out
with reasonable care, since a gap in a layer of the f i l t e r can r e s u l t in
eventual f a i l u r e . A certain degree of overdimensioning is usually j u s t i f i e d .
CM
LO
Figure 9.2
W O V E N FABRIC MATTRESS
Thus, a t o t a l f i l t e r construction is usually at least 1 to 1.5 m t h i c k .

Details of construction techniques w i l l be given i n chapter 10.
I f i t is necessary to construct a breakwater i n an area which is
exposed to severe waves or currents, i t is possible that a gravel
f i l t e r layer w i l l be swept away nearly as f a s t as i t is l a i d . In such
a case fascine mattresses, specially fabricated so that they are more
sand t i g h t than usual, can be used. This sand-tightness
can be achieved
by incorporating a layer of heavy woven f a b r i c w i t h i n the mattress. De

Jong and Peerlkamp (1973) sumnarize the development of f i l t e r constructions w e l l . See f i g . 9.2, also. Such a special fascine mattress can be
sunk into place and held there with stone b a l l a s t . Such a f i l t e r is
usually thinner than a more conventional gravel f i l t e r .
Figure 9.3
WOVEN FABRIC MATTRESS
WITH CONCRETE BLOCK
Another p o s s i b i l i t y is to attach concrete b a l l a s t blocks to a woven
f a b r i c . A single layer of reeds sometimes separates the blocks from the
f a b r i c i n order to prevent damage from f r i c t i o n . Such a f i l t e r is s t i l l
thinner than the above types, and can be placed by unwinding i t from a
f l o a t i n g spool upon which the ballasted mat has been r o l l e d . Figure 9.3
shows a photo of such a mat.
54
S t i l l another commonly used f i l t e r or bottom protection consists of

a layer of asphalt placed under water. Various contractors have developed
what appear to be very successful techniques f o r accomplishing a uniform
underwater placement of asphalt.
9.6. Toe Constructions
Most toe constructions consist of l i g h t armor units used to support
the lower portion of the primary armor layer and protect the f i l t e r (revetment) from d i r e c t wave attack. Toe constructions are most c r i t i c a l when
a breakwater in shallow water is subjected to breaking wave attack. The
problem and i t s possible solutions are i l l u s t r a t e d via the f o l l o w i n g example
Given data
A rubble mound breakwater (toe) is to be designed f o r a water depth
of 7.5 m. Maximum wave heights are l i m i t e d by the water depth. The face
slope is 1 : 1.5. Rough Quarry stone is to be used.
Solution
The design wave f o r t h i s structure w i l l be determined by the breaking
index Y = 0.6.
Thus:
^sig d = (0-6)(7.5) = 4.5 m
(9.01)
where
^sig d '^^"otes the design s i g n i f i c a n t wave height.
Using the rule of thumb presented in the previous chapter,
the
primary armor should extend to an elevation of about

(1.5) H = ( 1 . 5 ) ( 4 . 5 ) = 6,75 m
(9,02)
below the s t i l l water l e v e l .

From the shore Protection
granite stone,
Manual and chapter 6, we f i n d that f o r
= 2650 kg/m^ and Kp = 3.5 f o r breaking waves.
Substituting t h i s into equation 7.15:

P,
M=
g
3
(7.15)
(9.03)
Kp A ' ' cot(e)

yields:
W
(2650)(9.81)(4.5);
,3
rx,2650-
^g^^^^
1025,3,,
1Q2'5
) (1-5)
= 113 x 10'^ N
See section 7.5 of volume I and chapter 7 of t h i s volume.
(9.05)
55
The thickness of t h i s layer follows from equation 7.21.

t = ni
i-)^^^
(7.21)
(9.06)
which y i e l d s :
t=
(2)(1.15)(^2SyT^)'^'
= 3.8 m
(9.07)
(9.08)
when a double layer is used.

The lower inner corner of t h i s layer enters the sea bed. This
presents obvious problems of support f o r these stones. However, one
solution is to excavate the bed and construct the toe i n a p i t .
Under t h i s armor layer we need a layer of l i g h t e r stone having
a mass ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 tons; such a layer w i l l be
(2)(1.15)(l^)l/3
= 1.7 m
(9.09)
(9.10)
thick.
A f i l t e r layer 1.5 m thick should be constructed under t h i s .
When a l l of t h i s is put together, a p i t 6.5 m deep, shown i n f i g u r e
9.4, w i l l be required.
Figure 9.A
CONVENTIONAL EXCAVATED TOE CONSTRUCTION
Scale: 1 ;200
Since t h i s excavation work w i l l be very expensive, i t can be advantageous to reduce i t . One method, shown in f i g u r e 9.5, is to reduce the
thickness of the primary armor layer near the toe. The toe supporting
stones of 5-6 ton mass are extended under t h i s single armor u n i t layer
as shown. The f i l t e r layer under the toe supporting stone has been i n creased in thickness to 2.0 m to compensate f o r the removal of the secon-
56
Figure 9.5
ALTERNATIVE TOE CONSTRUCTION
scaLe:1:200
dary armor layer i n that area. Even so, the depth o f the excavation has
only been reduced from 6.5 to 5.0 m, and t h i s solution involving the t h i n ner primary armor layer is d i f f i c u l t to construct under water.
S t i l l another a l t e r n a t i v e uses a heavily supported toe constructed
without excavation. This i s shown in f i g u r e 9.6. A r e l a t i v e l y large quant i t y of toe support stone is needed to give adequate support to the p r i mary armor. Some loss o f this stone from the toe support can be expected
and t o l e r a t e d .
Figure 9.6
TOE CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT EXCAVATION
scale; 1;20G
The maximum toe slope of this toe protection can be determined using
the Hudson Formula. The sketched slope of 1:7.5 i s somewhat f l a t t e r than
that required.
As i n the previous a l t e r n a t i v e , the f i l t e r layer under the toe has
been thickened to 2.0 m to support the coarser stone.
57
9.7. Other Foundation Problems

Obviously a rubble mound breakwater subjects the subsoil layers to
loadings. Settlement j u s t as under any other structure can be expected,
therefore, and predicted using classical
s o i l mechanics techniques.
In a d d i t i o n , rubble mound structures usually s e t t l e w i t h i n themselves. Wave action w i l l cause some displacement of breakwater
materials
decreasing the porosity of the structure. This decrease is evidenced by a

settlement of the crest r e l a t i v e to the lower part of the
breakwater.
Since a rubble mound breakwater is a f l e x i b l e construction, neither

of these settlements is r e a l l y detrimental to the structural i n t e g r i t y
of the breakwater. However, the r e s u l t i n g crest lowering can have consequences f o r wave overtopping, and thus, damage to the inner slope or
increased wave transmission.
Often the breaking waves near the toe of a breakwater can cause
s u f f i c i e n t l y high pore pressure f l u c t u a t i o n s in sandy s o i l s to generate
a quicksand condition immediately in f r o n t of the toe. I f there are
currents t h i s sand w i l l be removed r e s u l t i n g in a scour hole. Even when
currents do not e x i s t , t h i s sand w i l l no longer contribute support to
the toe construction or anything else, f o r that matter. I t is therefore
necessary to discount the presence of t h i s sand when investigating the
i n t e g r i t y of the foundation as a whole with regard to possible s l i p
f a i l u r e s . Often times a c r i t i c a l s l i p c i r c l e passing through both the
breakwater mass and the supporting s o i l w i l l determine the horizontal
extent of the toe construction and bottom revetment in f r o n t of the
toe. Under extreme conditions such a s l i p c i r c l e analysis can even l i m i t
the maximum allowable slope of the breakwater face.
The analysis j u s t mentioned should be carried out i n addition to that
required to investigate possible s l i p f a i l u r e s purely w i t h i n the
breakwater.
As has already been pointed out in chapter 6, section 4, t h i s is usually

most important f o r a r t i f i c i a l armor units which have r e l a t i v e l y high damage c o e f f i c i e n t s such as t r i b a r s , tetrapods or akmons.
58
10.
RUBBLE MOUND BREAKWATER CONSTRUCTION
J.F. Agema
10.1. Introduction
Sometimes a logical sequence of project execution is to f i r s t complete a design and then to worry about construction techniques. Such an
approach to rubble mound breakwater design is irresponsible, however,
since the construction method chosen can have a s i g n i f i c a n t influence
on the cost of construction. Therefore, we now consider how rubble
mound breakwaters can be constructed and then, in the next chapter, combine a l l o f the information presented i n t o an optimum design.
The remainder of t h i s chapter w i l l be concerned with available cons t r u c t i o n methods and, t h e i r r e l a t i v e merits.
10.2. Construction Methods
I t is usually impractical to construct a breakwater working i n a
temporary dry building p i t .
Even though construction " i n the dry" is
more precise and less expensive, the r e s u l t i n g savings do n o t , i n general,

balance the additional cost o f a temporary cofferdam. Thus, at least a
portion o f a breakwater must be constructed under water.
What are the methods available to transport and place the large
volumes of material required? Floating equipment can usually move large
volumes o f material most economically. Other methods include dumping of
material from a temporary bridge or cableway or even from a road extending over the already completed portion of the breakwater. Another method,
used occasionally, drops material from helicopters. Details o f each o f
these methods are l i s t e d below.
Use of f l o a t i n g equipment
Direct placement of breakwater materials by dumping from barges can
be especially economical when material i s supplied by ship, and can be
placed using these same ships. Types of ships f o r t h i s work can include
various types of bottom dump barges as well as side unloading barges.
The bottom dump barges tend to deposit t h e i r cargoes quickly in a concentrated mass, while the side unloading barges discharge more graduall y and are capable, therefore, of spreading a t h i n layer o f m a t e r i a l .
Obviously, barges of these sorts can only construct a breakwater to
an elevation over which they can s t i l l maneuver. In practice, t h i s
means that the maximum elevation is about 3 meters below the'water l e v e l .
Special barges can be b u i l t which place material at higher elevations on the breakwater by using an attached or separate f l o a t i n g crane.
Design and f a b r i c a t i o n of such specialized construction equipment is
usually too expensive to be economical f o r small p r o j e c t s .
*
There are cases in which an extreme t i d e range can be used to advantage

to construct a major portion of a seavmll or breakwater " i n the dry".
This water level may well take advantage of a large portion o f the
t i d a l range - i t may be higher than mean sea l e v e l .
59
The use o f f l o a t i n g equipment i s handicapped by i t s dependence upon

reasonable weather conditions f o r navigation - storms and poor v i s i b i l i t y
can h a l t operations. A second problem involves the positioning of the
ships and t h e i r dumped cargoes. Sophisticated navigation systems are often
needed.
Construction from f i x e d structures
Rubble mound breakwaters can be constructed by working from some
form of f i x e d structure. This structure may be a temporary bridge supported on p i l l a r s which become hurried in the breakwater. Materials and cons t r u c t i o n equipment are transported over t h i s bridge. Such a bridge must,
of course, be high enough to protect the construction equipment from the
waves to be expected during construction.
An a l t e r n a t i v e to a bridge, needing fewer but larger foundations, is a
cableway. Materials dropped from a cableway cannot be as accurately placed
as those moved by cranes from lower structures. On the other hand, cons t r u c t i o n is the least hampered by the weather. Because of t h e i r long
s t r a i g h t spans, cableways are only suitable f o r use on breakwaters which
have long s t r a i g h t segments.
A special form of "bridge" from which to construct the breakwater can
be the breakwater i t s e l f . Construction begins at the shore; material is
supplied over the crest of the completed portion to construction equip-ment at the exposed end. This construction technique places special
requirements on the breakwater i t s e l f ; i t s crest must be high and wide
enough to permit' the e f f i c i e n t supply of equipment and materials in
a l l weather conditions. This may require a higher and wider crest
than would be needed otherwise. Even with a high and wide crest, cons t r u c t i o n speed is often l i m i t e d by the capacity of the crane at the
end of the breakwater.
This possible bottleneck to construction can be a l l e v i a t e d somewhat by placing cranes on jack-up platforms - see volume I , chapter 32 beside the breakwater l o c a t i o n . Materials are s t i l l supplied over the
crest. A photo showing jack-up or s e l f elevating platforms in use at
IJmuiden is included in the Shore Protection
Manual - volume I I , page
6-92.
When armor units are used to protect the crest of the breakwater,
they can provide too rough a surface f o r e f f i c i e n t transport of materials
and equipment. Two solutions to the problem are possible: chinking of the
crest armor with f i n e r m a t e r i a l , and delaying of the placing o f the crest
armor u n t i l the rest of the structure is completed. This second technique allows equipment to travel over the smoother but lower underlayer.
Since chinking materials w i l l be washed away in time, both methods suggested w i l l
result eventually i n a rough surface which may make mainte-
nance work more d i f f i c u l t .

An a l t e r n a t i v e design using a monolithic crest w i l l eliminate these
problems but is often expensive. On the other hand, such a massive
crest
60
can support special armor units which may possible be placed on a steeper slope or be of l i g h t e r weight. Either of these modifications (of
slope
or weight) can mean t h a t l i g h t e r construction equipment can be
used.
Special methods
Use of helicopters to place breakwater materials has been attempted
successfully on an experimental basis. A disadvantage of helicopters,
t h e i r extreme dependence upon favorable weather conditions, is o f f s e t by
t h e i r excellent maneuverability. Helicopters may prove to be very servicable in the future f o r maintenance work since they can easily place
small loads of material at a variety of places on the
breakwater.
Combinations of methods
Often the major portion of the deeper breakwater parts are constructed by dumping from barges. A f t e r t h i s lower portion has been
b u i l t up as high as conveniently possible in t h i s way, the
structure
is completed by working over the crest of the structure as outlined

above.
10.3. Specific Constructional
Aspects
Constructional problems s p e c i f i c to p a r t i c u l a r portions of a

rubble mound breakwater are discussed below.
Filters
The f i l t e r layers, when necessary, can form the most important
part of the breakwater construction; the rest of the breakwater w i l l
not remain stable i f i t s foundation is poor. Therefore, i n contrast
to what might be called popular b e l i e f , the construction of a f i l t e r
should be done most c a r e f u l l y .
Except in very shallow water, gravel f i l t e r s are normally constructed by dumping materials slowly from moving side dumping barges.
Dumping rates and barge speeds should be chosen i n such a way that
each grain size of the f i l t e r is l a i d dovm i n a series of sublayers.
This gives a more uniform d i s t r i b u t i o n of material over the r e s u l t i n g
layer and hence, less chance of local imperfections which would event u a l l y lead to f a i l u r e .
Asphalt and nylon f i l t e r s are single p l y , normally. These must be
constructed so accurately that work from anchored ships i s required.
The ships move by using cables to anchors placed outside the working
area. Such f i l t e r s are often covered with a layer of gravel, but
t h i s is intended primarily to protect them from d i r e c t impact forces
from coarser material being dumped on top.
How is slope related to crane size? The crane boom length necessary to
reach the breakwater toe is shorter with steep slopes.
61
Core
The r e a l l y rough work i n a breakwater is the placement of the
core m a t e r i a l . I f waves and currents did not disturb the operation,
then the only problem would be that of achieving the desired slopes
when dumping material under water - either from a barge or from a
crane bucket. Of course, submerged portions of side slopes can be
r e - p r o f i l e d working from a f i x e d point using a crane, but i t can be
more economical to avoid t h i s i f possible. Protection o f the core
from waves and currents during construction is one of the topics d i s cussed i n section 10.4.
Armor units
Primary armor units are almost exlusively placed by crane - either
f l o a t i n g or f i x e d . Obviously, the crane used must be capable o f placing
an armor unit anywhere on the slope to be protected. The a v a i l a b i l i t y o f
cranes can influence the choice o f armor u n i t s . Even when random or p e l l mell placement of armor units is s p e c i f i e d , accurate placement of i n d i v i dual armor units is required i n order to guarantee a uniform covering.
Sometimes, placement plans specifying exact locations f o r each armor unit
are used even with so-called pell-mell armor placement. When s p e c i f i c
placement patterns are required f o r s t a b i l i t y - as with t r i b a r s , f o r example - extra care is called f o r ; so much care, i n f a c t , that t h i s cannot
be successfully accomplished under water.
When a r t i f i c i a l armor units of several d i f f e r e n t sizes are required,
time and confusion at the armor unit f a b r i c a t i o n s i t e can sometimes be
reduced by modifying the density o f the concrete used rather than by cast i n g a new size of unit - see chapter 7, This techniques can r e s u l t i n con
siderable savings at the f a b r i c a t i o n s i t e , and can r e s u l t i n a l i g h t e r wei
block than would otherwise be required which has, again, consequences f o r
the crane selection.
Details of armor u n i t placement schemes are usually worked out in models.
These may be the hydraulic models used to investigate d u r a b i l i t y or separate construction models may be b u i l t to determine exact cover layer properties such as porosity.
Crest
The crest o f the breakwater must be broad and smooth enough to accomo
date construction and material transport equipment i f over-the-crest cons t r u c t i o n or maintenance i s planned. The width needed during construct i o n is sometimes more than that needed f o r maintenance. Since much more
equipment is moving along the crest during construction a two lane roadway may prove economical, especially i f the breakwater is long.
Massive monolithic crest constructions are often used with special
armor units such as t r i b a r s and tetrapods. Such monolithic structures provide an excellent roadway, but are not without problems. Since a rubble
mound breakwater is more or less designed to s e t t l e a b i t , these monolit h i c crest elements must also be t o l e r a n t of t h i s . This means in practice
62
that r e l a t i v e displacements of the crest elements must be allowed at spec i f i c locations.
10.4. Special Construction Problems

Waves and currents during construction can attack a p a r t i a l l y
completed breakwater and cause a certain degree of damage. Unprotected core material is the most susceptible to damage. I f the expected
attack is only minor i t can be most economical to simply accept a loss
of core material due to erosion and thus, to place somewhat more core
material than would be needed otherwise.
I f wave and current influences are too severe, special measures
must be taken to protect the core material during construction. This can
be accomplished by f i r s t building up the secondary armor units and then
f i l l i n g in between the armor unit ridges with core m a t e r i a l . This cons t r u c t i o n sequence is shown i n f i g u r e 10.1.
77XV
Figure
10.1
BREAKWATER
CONSTRUCTION
C O N S T R U C T E D WITH CORE
PROTECTION
P R O G R E S S E S IN N U M E R I C A L
SEQUENCE
The construction steps shown i n t h i s f i g u r e proceed i n numerical

sequence, o r , being more s p e c i f i c :
1.
F i l t e r layers are placed at each toe.
2.
Ridges of secondary armor are placed. Only portion 2a i s needed f o r

s t a b i l i t y of the f i n a l s t r u c t u r e . A s i m i l a r statement i s true o f the
remaining even numbered layers.
3.
Core material is placed between the ridges.
4-9 Alternate ridges and core layers are placed.

10. The upper layer consists e n t i r e l y o f secondary armor.
11. Primary armor i s added a f t e r completion of the rest of the cross section.
I f there is severe attack, t h i s armor may be added sooner, gradually
as the other construction progresses.
Somewhat more secondary armor is used than would otherwise be the
case. When t h i s secondary armor is stone - as is usually the case - there
are normally only minor economic consequences since secondary armor i s no
63
more expensive than core m a t e r i a l . The success of t h i s construction technique depends upon the secondary armor ridges to protect the core material
s u f f i c i e n t l y to prevent i t s mass erosion. In some cases where currents are
very strong - closure o f estuaries, f o r example - the e n t i r e core of the
breakwater is b u i l t up of small armor u n i t s ; t h i s is an exception, however.
The economical construction o f a breakwater requires that materials
flow smoothly and that various production and transport units are well
adapted to each other. When, f o r example, lower portions of a breakwater
are constructed from ships with the upper position constructed from the
c r e s t , then even these two operations must be well coordinated.
Local a v a i l a b i l i t y o f labor and materials also influences breakwater
design and construction method choice. Concrete armor units are very often
used i n breakwaters i n The Netherlands,primarily because stone of armor
u n i t q u a l i t y would have to be imported from foreign countries while
concrete can be made l o c a l l y .
10.6. Review
In t h i s and the previous four chapters we have examined those factors which influence the design o f a rubble mound breakwater. The designer's
task is to combine a l l of these factors i n such a way that a l l portions of
the r e s u l t i n g breakwater are equally durable in r e l a t i o n to t h e i r individual
environmental attack This balanced design w i l l then i d e a l l y s u f f e r e i t h e r
no damage or w i l l be uniformly damaged by a severe storm.
The method f o r choosing the design storm is outlined i n the f o l l o w i n g
chapter on optimum design.
64
11.
OPTIMUM DESIGN
J.F. Agema
W.W. Massie
11.1.
Introduction
A. Paape
Optimum design refers to the dimensioning of a structure such

that some chosen c r i t e r i u m has an extreme value. This d e f i n i t i o n is
very general. The criterium used might be minimization of maintenance
costs, f o r example, or the maximization o f the r a t i o o f benefits to
costs. The choice of the c r i t e r i u m w i l l have an e f f e c t on the r e s u l t i n g
design. Other requirements f o r a project to be suitable f o r design optimization are explained in chapter 13 of volume I . As was pointed out
there, some damage must always be accepted. The problem i s one of f i n d i n g
the most economical balance between construction costs and damage ( r e pair) costs such that the t o t a l of the two is minimized.
The discussion which follows w i l l be r e s t r i c t e d to the design of
rubble mound breakwaters. (The application of optimum design techniques
to monolithic breakwaters is the subject of chapter 19). In a d d i t i o n ,
a s p e c i f i c c r i t e r i u m function has been chosen: we shall want to minimize
the sum of the construction and c a p i t a l i z e d damage costs. Specific
details of the optimization application w i l l be discussed in the f o l lowing sections of t h i s chapter.
11.2.
Parameters and Their Interrelationships

What are the parameters in the design of a rubble mound breakwater
that can be varied i n order to arrive at an optimum design? This can

best be answered by examining the sources of damage expense. These sources f a l l i n t o two categories, d i r e c t and i n d i r e c t damage.
Direct damage is that associated with the breakwater i t s e l f . This
includes a l l maintenance and repair costs of that s t r u c t u r e .
Indirect damage costs occur w i t h i n the area protected by the breakwater and r e s u l t from i t s f a i l u r e i n some way. This f a i l u r e can be d i f ferent from that r e s u l t i n g in d i r e c t damage costs; f o r example, wave
overtopping may make a harbor entrance so rough that ships cannot navigate through i t during a storm even though no s t r u c t u r a l damage to the
breakwater has occurred.
Expressed a b i t more concretely, the t o t a l harbor optimization problem can be schematized as f i n d i n g the minimum t o t a l project cost as a
function of the f o l l o w i n g variables:
- breakwater l o c a t i o n ,
- crest e l e v a t i o n ,
- breakwater type,
- details of construction such as armor u n i t type,
- wave climate.
For now, we neglect the f i r s t two of these f a c t o r s ; they determine
the i n d i r e c t damage costs.
65
Reviewing, d i r e c t damage involves repair of the breakwater,

while i n d i r e c t damage involves the operations which are normally
carried out i n i t s lee. Why do we separate these?
The two types of economic damage are separated because they i n fluence two d i f f e r e n t aspects of our design. Direct economic damage
results from the loss of s t a b i l i t y of some part of our breakwater.
This s t a b i l i t y is dependent only upon the details of the design of
a typical cross-section of the breakwater. I n d i r e c t damage, on the
other hand, results from wave action i n the harbor. This wave action
is only influenced i n a minor way by the d e t a i l s of a cross section
(core porosity and crest elevation) while i t i s strongly dependent
upon the geometry of the t o t a l harbor layout (location and width o f
entrance and harbor and breakwater l a y o u t ) . The design problem lends
i t s e l f well to being s p l i t into two more or less independent parts.
The f i r s t problem uses an analysis based upon approximate breakwater
costs and i n d i r e c t damage costs to design the harbor layout and determine the amount of wave energy which may be transmitted e i t h e r
through or over a breakwater. The breakwater designer then uses t h i s
l i m i t a t i o n along with detailed breakwater cost figures and d i r e c t damage estimates to complete his portion of the optimum design. A f t e r comp l e t i n g t h i s design, the resulting breakwater construction cost figure
should be checked against that used i n the layout optimization. In
a complex, extensive harbor layout p r o j e c t , t h i s i t e r a t i o n may go on
for several cycles.*
Since we as breakwater designers are most interested i n the breakwater d e t a i l s , we shall devote most of our a t t e n t i o n here to the second
part of t h i s i t e r a t i o n cycle ; the optimization o f a cross section based
upon construction and d i r e c t damage costs. On the other hand, we must
f u l l y realize that we are treating only a singTe facet of a much larger
problem of which our optimum solution forms only a p a r t .
In the remainder of t h i s chapter we shall attempt to carry out
the optimization of a single cross section o f a rubble mound breakwater. In order to do t h i s we w i l l be given cost and wave data so
that we may attempt to f i n d an economic optimum design. We can achieve
t h i s optimum by varying the slopes and type of armor a n d , t o a
limited
extent, the crest e l e v a t i o n .

11.3.
Given Data
The f o l l o w i n g example is hypothetical i n that data have been taken
from various sources and were never intended to be used together i n

t h i s combination. While the t i e to a s p e c i f i c r e a l i t y has been l o s t ,
the procedure i l l u s t r a t e d is s t i l l p e r f e c t l y v a l i d .
Storm conditions
Wave conditions measured at a deep water s i t e near our design locat i o n are given in table 11.1 and f i g u r e 11.1, Storm water levels meaThis discussion w i l l be picked up again i n section 11,8.
RECURRENCE
INTERVAL
(YRS)
67
sured e s s e n t i a l l y at our proposed breakwater s i t e are also included

in table 11.1 and are shown also i n f i g u r e 1 1 . 1 . I t w i l l be assumed
that both the water levels and the storm waves occur simultaneously.
In that t a b l e , H^-jg
is the s i g n i f i c a n t wave height i n deep water
and h' is the waterlevel r e l a t i v e to mean sea l e v e l .

Table 11.1
Recurrence
Storm Data
'^STg
Interval
^0
Period
h'
(yrs)
(m)
0.1
4.5
7.4
0.5
5.5
(s)
5.0
10
7.0
11
20
8.0
12
100
9.0
13
(m)
3.2
4.6
Tides
The normal astronomical t i d e is such that high t i d e is 2.3 m above
mean sea level and normal low water is 2.0 m below mean sea l e v e l . Tidal
influences have been included i n the water level data j u s t given.
Site conditions
The depth at the design s i t e is 10.0 m r e l a t i v e to mean sea l e v e l .
The bottom material is sand having a mean diameter of 160 ym and the b o t tom slope is 1:100 at that depth.
Cost of materials
The f o l l o w i n g costs are assumed to be v a l i d and are l i s t e d i n table
11.2. Since the prices are intended only as a r e l a t i v e i n d i c a t i o n o f costs,
no monetary units are given. Costs would have to be determined i n d i v i d u a l ly by p r o j e c t , anyway, i n a real case.
68
Table 11.2
Costs of Materials i n place

Placement method
Use
Material
Natural Stone
(p = 2700 kg/m~^)
Gravel
Normal concrete
Massive
(p = 2400 kg/m^'
Armor Cubes
Special Armor
Basalt Concrete
Armor Cubes
(p = 2650 kg/m^)
Special Armor
Unit
barge
over
dumped
cres"
ton
35.
45.
m^
40.
50.
3
m
3
m
150.
,3
m
3
m
3
m
200.
250.
230.
280.
230.
280.
260.
310.
Requirements from harbor optimization

The crest of the breakwater is to be used only to reach a navigat i o n l i g h t at the end f o r occasional maintenance. Since maintenance
operations on t h i s l i g h t need not be carried out during storms, waves
can be allowed to break over the crest of the breakv;ater up to 5 times
per year. Waves generated i n the harbor by t h i s overtopping w i l l not
hinder operations there. The economic l i f e , l , of the breakwater i s to
be 50 years; the i n t e r e s t rate, i , i s 8% per year.
11.4. Preliminary Calculations

The f o l l o w i n g calculations must be carried out i r r e s p e c t i v e of
the cross section chosen. They involve the transformation o f the deep
water wave data to that at the s i t e . Data is taken from table 11.1 and
interpolated using f i g u r e 11.1 f o r water l e v e l s . The computation shown
in table 11.3 progresses as f o l l o w s :
The deep water wave length, A^, i s computed from the p e r i o d , T,
using equation 5.05a from volume I :
\^ = 1.56 T^
(1-5.05a)
(11.01)
The t o t a l depth, h, i s the water l e v e l , h ' , p l u s the depth to mean sea

l e v e l , 10 m.
The r a t i o ti/ti^ is obtained from the value of h/A^ using table C-1 i n
volume I I I of the shore Proteotion Manual, Refraction influences have
Lj
been neglected. Value of a r e computed using a given bottom slope,
A m
m, of 0 . 0 1 . This is used as a breaker type parameter i n table 8.1 of
volume I . Since these parameter values are so large, the breaker parameter, p , is taken to be rather small as w e l l : 0.1 is assumed. The
breaker index, Y> is then computed from equation 8.03 of volume I :
Only stone ranging i n size up to 20 tons is available.
69
= 0.33p + 0.46
(1-8.03)
(11.02)
y i e l d i n g y = 0.49.
The value of H^-jg at the breakwater s i t e is computed using either
Hj^g = Y h
(11.03)
^sig = (S;)(Hsig^)
(11-04)
or
whichever yields a smaller value. Equation 11.03 determined the wave

height f o r recurrence intervals > 1, while the waves of minor storms
are affected only by shoaling, indicatedby equation 11.04. These res u l t i n g wave heights have been plotted as a function of recurrence
i n t e r v a l i n f i g u r e 11.2. For convenience i n l a t e r work, the frequency
of occurrence- reciprocal of the recurrence i n t e r v a l - has also been
included i n table 11.3 and f i g u r e 11.2.
Primary armor w i l l be extended down the f r o n t face of the breakwater to an elevation equal to 1.5 times H^-g below the water l e v e l .
We choose the lowest of the following elevations:
a.
common storm (Hg.jg = 4 m) at low t i d e :

hg = ( 1 . 5 ) ( 4 . ) + 2.0 = 8.0 m below M.S.L.
b.
severe storm, f o r example
p = 0 . 0 1 , at H.W.:
hg = (1.5)(7.2) - 4.6 = 6.2 m below M.S.L.

c.
(11.05)
(11.06)
as b above, but assuming low t i d e , the wave height is then:

(4.6 - 4.3 + 10)(0.49) = 5.05 m
yielding
(11.07)
hg = (1.5)(5.05) - (4.6 - 4.3) = 7.2 m below M.S.L.

where the t i d e range is 4.3 m.
Taking the greatest depth indicates that the primary armor should extend to MSL - 8.0 meters.
On the inner slope, the primary stone armor is continued to a
depth 1 m below low water l e v e l , thus to MSL - 3.0 m.
p
<=5
TABLE 11.3
Wave Shoaling
Data from f i g u r e 11.1

Recurrence
H.
Interval
h'
length
depth
h
0
H
H
total
frequency
%2
(-)
(- )
(-)
(m)
,storms X
^ year
"sig
(y^s)
(m)
0.1
4.5
7.4 2.8
85.
12.8
0.1506 0.9133 529.
0. 1
0.49
4.1
10
0.2
4.9
2.9
100.
12.9
0.1290 0.9172 490.
0. 1
0.49
4.5
0.5
5.5
3.0
126.
13.0
0.1028 0.9308 437.
0. 1
0.49
5.1
6.0
10
3.2
156.
13.2
0.0845 0.9487 385.
0. 1
0.49
5.7
7.0
11
3.7
189.
13.7
0.0725 0.9667 370.
0. 1
0.49
6.7
0.2
10
7.5
11.5 3.9
207.
13.9
0.0673 0.9766 362.
0. 1
0.49
6.8
0.1
broken wave
20
8.0
12
4.2
225.
14.2
0.0631 0.9858 356.
0. 1
0.49
7.0
0.05
broken wave
broken wave
(s)
(m)
Wave
(m)
(m)
(-)
(-)
t'
broken wave
50
8.5
12.5 4.4
244.
14.4
0.0590 0.9958 348.
0. 1
0.49
7.1
0.02
100
9.0
13
4.6
264.
14.6
0.0553 1.006
341.
0. 1
0.49
7.2
0.01
broken wave
500
10.0
14
5.1
306.
15.1
0.0493 1.025
327.
0. 1
0.49
7.4
0.002
broken wave
72
Cost of Quarry Stone Breakwater
11.5.
Since the maximum available armor unit mass is 20 tons, the Hudson
Formula, equation 7.15, can be modified and solved f o r the slope:
P,
cot
(e) = ^
(11.08)
where:
g is the acceleration o f g r a v i t y ,
H is the design wave height,
Kp is the damage c o e f f i c i e n t ,
W is the weight of the armor u n i t ,
A is the r e l a t i v e density of armor,
Pg is the armor unit density, and
e- is the slope angle.
As an i n i t i a l guess, l e t us design f o r a storm having a frequence o f
0.05. From table 11.3 we see that the breakwater is attacked by breaking
waves with H^-jg = 7.0 m. For a double layer of rough quarry stone i n
breaking waves a damage c o e f f i c i e n t value of 3.5 is found i n tabel 7.6
of
the Shore
Protection
Manual,
This value of Kp is i n c o r r e c t , because i t is based upon an assumpt i o n that no overtopping occurs. Since there w i l l c e r t a i n l y be overtopping with the proposed design, t h i s assumption has been v i o l a t e d . Unfortunately, damage c o e f f i c i e n t values f o r overtopped breakwaters are not
available. Therefore, the suggested value of Kp w i l l be used f u r t h e r
with
specific
acknowledgement
of this
error
since a l l of the
computa-
tions must be v e r i f i e d via model t e s t s , anyway. Thus, concluding, we

must see the present computation as only a preliminary
Substitution i n t o 11.08 y i e l d s :
cot
(0) =
(9.81)(2700)(7.0)3
(3-5)(^^%3rV
or:
estimate.
( 2 0 x l 0 ^ x 9.81)
'
= 3.10
(11.10)
= 18"
(11.11)
This seems reasonable.

The crest elevation must be high enough to prevent overtopping
more than 5 times per year. The wave height f o r t h i s design c r i t e r i a is then 4.5 m, and the water depth is 12.9 m. The wave length \
for h = 12.9 m and
I
= 100 m is 78 m. Entering f i g u r e 11.3 with
" 75^ " 0.057 and a 1:3 rubble slope y i e l d s |^ of 0.84. For the crest
elevation we get:
Damage determinations w i l l , however, be modified to account f o r

overtopping i n section 11.6.
73
The minimum crest width follows from equation 7.23:

B = m'
i-)^^^
(7.23)
(11.13)
where:
B is the crest w i d t h ,
is the packing c o e f f i c i e n t , and
m' is the number of armor units across the crest.
Choosing m' = 3 and selecting K^= 1.02 from chapter 6 y i e l d s :
3
B = (3)(1.02)(^5^^g^)^/3
= 6.0 m
This is wide enough f o r construction equipment, i f necessary.
The thickness of the armor layer, t , comes from equation 7.21:
74
(7.21)
(11.15)
Vg
where
ni is the number of units in the layer.
Since m = 2 has already been chosen, 11.15 y i e l d s ;
+ - / ? ^ n n?^f20 x 10 ,1/3
t - (2)(1.02)( 2y-Q-Q- }
(11.16)
4.0 m
We can now s t a r t a sketch design shown i n f i g u r e 11.4,
This design needs a special toe construction on the f r o n t face.
The secondary armor units must be dimensioned. These would have a
mass of at least 1/10 of that of the primary armor but should also w i t h H- This i s important
during the construc-
stand the less severe stormsf Taking, f o r t h i s , a design storm frequency

of 10 per year y i e l d s H^-g = 4.1 m and
t i o n phase.
(2700)(9.81)(4.1)''
W =
( 3 . 5 ) ( i M ^ ) 3
= 3,9
(11.19)
10^
(11,18)
(3,10)
Since t h i s is heavier then 1/10 of the primary armor weight,

t h i s w i l l be used. The layer thickness is now:
t = (2)(1-2)((2700)(9?81))'^'
(11.20)
= 2,3 m
I f t h i s same stone i s used f o r toe protection then the slope of
t h i s toe w i l l
be:
im}iM}ShOjL
cot(e)=
(11.22)
( 3 . 5 ) ( 2 Z 0 0 ^ 1 ^ ) 3 (3.9 X 10^)
16.6
(11.23)
This is outside the range of v a l i d i t y of the Hudson Formula, and i s an

extremely f l a t slope. This can be improved only by choosing a heavier
stone f o r the toe construction. Choosing stone having a mass of 6 tons
yields:
cot (e) =
(2^)(^-)'
( 3 . 5 ) ( 2 M ^ ) 3 (3 , ,3)
(11.24)
10.35; 6 = 6'-
(11.25)
This is s t i l l pretty f l a t !
Figure 11./,
S K E T C H D E S I G N OF S T O N E
ORIGINAL
SCALE 1 :500
BREAKWATER
76
TABLE 11.4
I n i t i a l Cost Estimate - Stone Breakwater
Item and dimensions
Vol ume
Unit
Total
(scaled from f i g . 11.4)
(m^/m)
price
price
F i l t e r Gravel
31
1.5
46.5
14
1.5
21.0
35
2.0
70.0
20/ton
137.5
40/m3
5 500.
60/m-'
3 390.
70/m^
22 785.
148.1
60/m
8 886,
12.6
90/m-^
1 134,
Toe Stone
23
1.5
34.5
22
22.0
X 1
56.5
Quarry Run (barge placed)
47
1.5
46
7.5
11
7.5
70.5
172.5
X 1
82.5
325.5
Secondary Armor (barge placed)

25
2.3
22-
2.3
16
57,5
50.6
i
40.0
Quarry Run (over crest)

9
1.4
Secondary Armor (over crest)

6
2,3
13,8
2,3
13,8
2.3
16.1
3 278
43.7
Primary Armor (over crest)
37
148,0
30
120,0
6x4
24,0
292.0
15/m
21 900,
Total cost per meter:66 873
All of these results are incorporated i n f i g u r e 11,4; t h i s i s now

s u f f i c i e n t l y detailed to make an estimate of the construction materials
required. This w i l l be done f o r a 1 meter length o f dam. Results are
77
l i s t e d i n table 11,4. Gravel l i s t e d f o r the f i l t e r layers is assumed

to have a bulk density of 2000 kg/m^. All materials below elevation
-1.0 m are dumped from barges except the primary armor. A l l of t h i s is
placed by crane working from the crest.
The bulk density, p^, of armor units follows from the density, p^,
Pb = Pa (1 - n)
(11-26)
= (27O0)(l - 0.37) = 1700 kg/m^
(11.27)
where n = 0.37 comes from chapter 6.

3
This y i e l d s a unit price f o r barge-dumped stone o f 60./m
3
and 75,/m
for crane-placed stone. Quarry run stone is assumed to have a bulk dens i t y of 2000 kg/m^.
The cost f i g u r e j u s t obtained at the end of table 11.4 is the cons t r u c t i o n cost of a breakwater designed to withstand a s i g n i f i c a n t wave
height o f 7.0 m. In order to conduct an o p t i m i z a t i o n , we need to invest i g a t e the construction costs f o r a whole series of wave heights. This
involves, i n p r i n c i p l e , a whole series of cost determinations as j u s t
completed. We may, however, be able to short cut t h i s lengthy computat i o n f o r the problem at hand.
Since the crest elevation has been determined based upon an overtopping c r i t e r i a , that elevation w i l l remain r e l a t i v e l y f i x e d . Run-up
is rather independent of wave and slope parameters in t h i s range - see
f i g , 11.3.
The crest elevation i s , therefore, considered to be constant.
Also, since armor stone o f maximum size is used, the crest width and
primary armor layer thickness w i l l
remain constant. What w i l l
change,
then? The side slopes, the size of the secondary armor (and hence the
layer thickness), and the core volume w i l l change. The volume o f the
toe and f i l t e r constructions w i l l remain e s s e n t i a l l y the same.
The procedure used to compute table 11.5 from the data with
Hg.jg = 7.0 m is outlined as f o l l o w s :
a.
The new slope follows from (11.09) with the new wave height.
b.
Changes i n primary armor volume arise exclusively from changes
c.
Secondary armor masses f o l l o w from (11.18) with the new slope;
d.
The layer thickness follows from (11.20).
e.
The barge volume is derived from slope length and thickness
in slope length.
the wave height, 4,1 m, is maintained,
changes.
f.
The crane-placed volume changes only because of the layer t h i c k -
g.
The core volume changes r e s u l t from width changes at the base.
h.
Other volumes and a l l unit prices are assumed to remain the same.
ness change.
The r e s u l t i n g costs can be p l o t t e d i n a graph of i n i t i a l
construc-
t i o n cost as a function of design s i g n i f i c a n t wave height. This w i l l

be done, but only a f t e r the damage costs have been determined i n the
f o l l o w i n g section.
78
TaDle 11.5
Note:
Cost as Function of Wave height f o r Stone Breakwater.

Costs are l i s t e d with italio
numbers.
Item
Design Wave height (m)
Slope cot ( 6 )
5.7
6.75
7.0
7.25
7.50
1.68
2,78
3.10
3.45
3.82
267,1
292.
319.5
20 031.
21 900.
22 965.
Primary Armor
volume (m^/m)
cost/m
184.9
n
864.
348.9
26
187.
Secondary Armor
mass (kg)
layer thick.(m)
7400.
4500.
4000,
3600.
3300.
2.8
2.4
2.3
2.2
2.2
barge volume (m^/m) 119.0
142.3
148,1
154,0
165,3
cost/m
8 540.
8 886.
9 242.
9 921,
3
crane volume (m /m)
cost/m
7 140.
42,9
43,7
44.5
47.4
3 219.
Z 278.
3 338.
3 555.
309,2
325,5
363,5
393.4
21 643.
22 785,
25 442,
27
539,
10 024.
10 024,
10 024,
10
024.
63 457.
66 873,
72 Oil,
77 206,
39.8
2 985.
Core
barge volume (m^/m) 220.1
cost/m
Other items cost(m)
Total cost/m
15 406.
10 024.
49 419.
11,6, Damage to the Breakwater

The second part of the optimization problem is to determine the
equivalent capital investment necessary to finance the damage which
can be s t a t i s t i c a l l y expected during the l i f e of the breakwater.
The discussion which follows is somewhat d i f f e r e n t from that
presented i n chapter 11 o f volume I , The most important differences
are f i r s t , that we work d i r e c t l y with the s i g n i f i c a n t wave height
characterizing a storm and second, we are interested i n a frequency
of occurrence rather than a frequency of exceedance. The f i r s t of
these differences implies that we no longer are concerned with the
Rayleigh D i s t r i b u t i o n of wave heights w i t h i n a storm; a l l the necessary information is contained in the long term d i s t r i b u t i o n o f wave
heights shown i n f i g u r e 11.2. The frequencies o f occurrence can be d e r i ved from the exceedance frequencies given in that f i g u r e by d i v i d i n g the
wave heights i n t o i n t e r v a l s characterized by a given value of H^^jg, and
determining the frequency of occurrence of that s i g n i f i c a n t wave height
by subtracting the frequencies of exceedance at the edges o f the i n t e r v a l . The boundaries of the intervals chosen are shown i n column 1 o f
table 11.6; the associated p r o b a b i l i t i e s of exceedance, P(H5.jg) taken
from f i g u r e 11.2 are l i s t e d i n the following column. The characterizing
79
s i g n i f i c a n t wave height and frequency of occurrence are l i s t e d i n columns

three and f o u r .
In that t a b l e , each of the following groups of four columns is used
for a d i f f e r e n t one of the f i v e design cross sections worked out i n the
previous section. For i l l u s t r a t i v e purposes, the computation f o r the
p r o f i l e with a design wave of 7.0 m w i l l be described i n d e t a i l .
To proceed f u r t h e r , we must relate wave heights exceeding the design conditions to expected damage to the breakwater. In chapter 6 values of Kp, the damage c o e f f i c i e n t , are given f o r a non-overtopped slope
attacked by non-breaking waves. I t is reasonable to assume the r a t i o of
the damage c o e f f i c i e n t f o r some percentage o f damage to that f o r no damage is the same f o r both breaking and non-breaking waves. The e f f e c t
of overtopping, however, is an increase i n the damage to the structure
since a single wave s p i l l i n g over the crest w i l l damage both the inner
and outer slopes.* Therefore, the damage figures have been doubled. This
results i n the graph shown i n figure 11.5
used with a l l f i v e breakwater
profiles.
The equivalent damage c o e f f i c i e n t value follows from equation 7.20
modified to y i e l d the r a t i o of damage c o e f f i c i e n t s .
X
"D
,H*.3
ITD
(TT)
(11.28)
In t h i s equation the KQ r a t i o follows from the r a t i o o f H ( l i s t e d i n

column 3 of table 11.6) to the design wave height f o r each cross section.
The damage percentages f o r each cross section and wave height come
from f i g u r e 11.5, entering with the damage c o e f f i c i e n t r a t i o and reading a damage to the armor layer i n percent. Obviously, f o r waves smaller
than the design wave there i s no damage; why i s this? See chap-
t e r 7'.
The damage costs are found by m u l t i p l y i n g the damage percentages
by the i n i t i a l cost of constructing that portion o f the breakwater
which must be repaired. Usually, f o r moderate damage, the cost of the
primary armor layer from table 11.5 i s chosen.**'This r e s u l t i n g f i g u r e
is then increased to compensate f o r the extra cost of mobilizing the
construction equipment f o r such a r e l a t i v e l y minor repair j o b . The
increase f a c t o r and cost basis used are l i s t e d i n the notes below table
11.6. These figures are quite
arbitrairly
chosen and should be
checked with contractors i n a real s i t u a t i o n .

The annual cost of the damage is computed by m u l t i p l y i n g the damage cost per storm, j u s t computed, by the chance of occurrence of that
storm l i s t e d i n column 4 o f table 11.6, These annual costs of damage
are then added f o r each design p r o f i l e at the bottom of the respect i v e columns.
See also Van de Kreeke and Paape (1964),

Exceptions to t h i s w i l l be noted i n table 11,6,
10
20 30 AO
Damage { % )
F i g u r e 11.5
DAMAGE RELATIONSHIP
ROUGH QUARRY STONE
FOR
TABLE 11.6
Breakwater Damage Computations
Wave Conditions
sig
P(H3ig)
(ra)
(-)
5.5
1.25
6.0
0.63
6.5
0.28
6.9
0.085
7.1
Design Wave: 5.7 m

Char.
AP
Kp
Damage
Design Wave: 6.75 m
Damage
Annual
cost
cost
(-)
{%)
(-/m)
(-/m)
0.62
1.05
8.0
2218.
1375.
6.3
0.35
1.35
18.
4991.
1747.
6.7
0.195
1.62
25.
8996.
7.0
0.065
1.85
31.
7.2
0.015
2.02
7.5
0.005
2.28
"sig
(m)
(Hsig)
(-)
5.8
-"^tio
Kp
Damage
ratio
Damage
Design Wave: 7.00 m

Annual
Kp
Damage
Damage
Annual
cost
cost
cost
cost
ratio
(-/m)
(-/m)
(-)
{%)
(-/m)
(-/m)
12.
4807.
312.
1.00
2.5
1095.
71.
1.21
15.
6009.
90.
1.09
10.
4380.
66.
1.37
19.
7612.
_38.
1.23
15.
6570.
_33.
(-)
{%)
1754.
0.98
0.0
11155.
725.
1.12
36.
12954.
194.
43.
21250.
106.
0.020
7.3
0.005
7.7
0.000
5901.
170.
440.
Costs used i n damage comp.

Primary Armor
13 864.
20 031.
21 900.
Total Armor
23 989.
31 790.
34 064.
Total Construction:
49 419.
53 457.
66 873-
Note: For damage up to 20%, the damage cost i s based upon 2 times the primary armor cost.
For damage o f 20% to 40%, the damage cost i s based upon 1.5 times the t o t a l armor cost.
For damage above 40%, the damage cost i s based upon the t o t a l construction cost.
CO
o
81
^,
p
co
O
O
C
C
<
OJ
cn
(
E
(
Q
E
O
un
>
-p
co
O
O
O)
Ol
IO
E
tO
O)
- 1\
co
O
1
^>
C)
O
co
C
Ol
CD
c\j
CTl
co
r^
r^
cn
CD
CTl
LO
I)
LO
ro
CM
CD
00
CM
t/)
OJ
4-)
n3
1-
4->
CO
O
O
E
\ .
1
t
c
c
<
0)
CT)
r
E
cO
LO
CNJ
*
0)
H->
CO
O
O
\ .
1
-
O)
Ol
(0
E
rO
>
Ii
I1
C
CJ)
rO
a
0)
Q
co
cri
1
l
!-
CU
<3
i.
CO
_Z
<_>
C
O
r4->
O
C
O
O
0)
>
(0
3
CD
1
CO
rc
~"
O
O
CL
E
O
CJ
'
OJ
CJl
<0
E
(0
- a
CD
1 , v
(/) E
'
r
.
CD
1
(/)
rn
c
O
4->
O
so
E
S-
io
E
<
D.
-O
CU
co
=J
CT)
rCO
nr
co
4->
co
O
O
O
O
O
O
rO
E
Z-
S4-)
CO
C
O
O
r
4->
O
c
-p
O
11.7. Optimization of quarry stone breakwater.

In order to compare these annual costs to the i n i t i a l
construc-
t i o n costs, i t is necessary to determine what sum of money, set aside

now at compound i n t e r e s t , w i l l j u s t pay f o r t h i s damage over the l i f e time of the structure. This transformation involves determining the
present value of a series o f uniform withdrawals (payments) equal to
the annual damage cost over the l i f e of the s t r u c t u r e . The present
value o f the maintenance payments is determined by multiplying the annual payment by the present worth f a c t o r , pwf. From finance,
p^=(l_Lll!l^
i{\
i f
(11.29)
82
where:
i is the i n t e r e s t rate per period expressed as a decimal, and
n is the number of periods.
Substituting an i n t e r e s t rate of 8% [i = 0.08) and a number o f periods,
n = I = 50, y i e l d s :
^
(1.08)^ - 1
pwf = ^
0.08(1.08)''''
pwf = 12.2335
(11.30)
(11.31)
This present worth f a c t o r is then m u l t i p l i e d by each t o t a l annual cost figure f o r each cross section. These r e s u l t i n g present
values
can then be added to the i n i t i a l construction costs to y i e l d a t o t a l

cost.
This data gathered and computed from tables 11.5 and 11.6 is
summarized i n table 11.7 and is shown graphically i n f i g u r e 11.6.
Table 11.7
Cost Summary
Item
Design Wave Height (m
5.7
6.75
7,00
7.25
7.50
Annual Damage Cost
5 901.
440.
170,
26.
7.
Capitalized Damage
72 190.
5383.
2080,
318.
86.
Construction Cost
49 419.
63 457,
66 873,
72 O i l .
77 206.
121 609.
68 840,
68 953.
72 329.
77 292.
Total Cost
The minimum point of the t o t a l cost curve i n f i g u r e 11.6 occurs

near a design wave height 6.75 m, while there is l i t t l e d i f f e r e n c e i n
t o t a l cost between a cross section designed f o r a 6.75 m wave and one
designed f o r 7.0 m (0.2% i n t o t a l p r i c e ) . On the other hand, the maintenance costs of the design f o r a 7,0 m wave are only 39% o f those f o r the
6,75 m wave. This would tend to make the design f o r the 7.00 wave seem
preferable. I t c e r t a i n l y would be i f the difference i n construction costs
was no problem. The heavier design costs 5.4% more to b u i l d than the l i g h ter of the two cross sections. This might present a problem i f construct i o n capital is i n short supply (The extra maintenance cost o f the l i g h t e r construction do not have to be paid now). One may argue that the
reasoning j u s t presented undermines the philosoply o f the optimum design.
This is not r e a l l y the case, since a comparison is being made between two
designs which cost e s s e n t i a l l y the same - the price d i f f e r e n t i s less than
the errors inherent i n the cost determinations.
An a l t e r n a t e , and equivalent t o t a l r e s u l t could be achieved by depreciating the construction cost over the l i f e ,
This annual de-
preciation f i g u r e would be added, then, to the t o t a l annual maintenance cost from table 11.6.
83
5.5
6.0
DESIGN
6.5
WAVE H E I G H T
7.0
75
(M)
Summarizing, the conclusion is use a 6,75 m design wave (recurrence i n t e r v a l of 5 years) i f construction capital is scarce and
design using a 7.00 m wave (recurrence i n t e r v a l 26 years) i f capital
is p l e n t i f u l .
84
What i s the e f f e c t of changing the economic l i f e , ., of the structure? As n decreases with a given i n t e r e s t rate, i , the pwf decreases
making maintenance costs less important. Thus, the optimum design point
s h i f t s to the l e f t i n f i g u r e 11.6; t h i s seems l o g i c a l . Reducing the
l i f e t o , say, 10 years yields an optimum nearer a design wave height
lower than 6.75 m. This is revealed by constructing a new table s i m i l a r
to table 11.7.
How does the i n t e r e s t rate a f f e c t the optimum? As the i n t e r e s t rate
decreases, the present worth f a c t o r increases making maintenance a more
important contributor to the t o t a l costs; the optimum s h i f t s to the
r i g h t i n f i g u r e 11.5. For example, with an annual i n t e r e s t rate of only 2%, and a l i f e of 50 years, calculation o f a new table s i m i l a r to
table 11.7 yields an optimum near 7.00 m; the t o t a l cost curve climbs
steeply to the l e f t of t h i s point. This was not so pronouncedin f i g u r e
11.6 and results from the r e l a t i v e l y high current (1976) i n t e r e s t
rate
used.*
For "normal" designs the optimum design storm wave w i l l have a
recurrence i n t e r v a l of about 10 to 20 years. I t is f o r t h i s reason that
the i n i t i a l guess f o r a design wave height was 7.0 m corresponding to
a recurrence interval of 20 years - see f i g u r e 11.2.
11.8. Additional Remarks
By now, everyone concerned with t h i s chapter (authors, t y p i s t ,
proofreader, students) thinks or hopes that the problem i s solved. Unf o r t u n a t e l y , t h i s is f a r from t r u e . In sections 5 through 7 o f t h i s
chapter we have found the optimum quarry stone breakwater consistent
with the rest of the preliminary harbor design. This is not
neoesscccily
the optimum breakwater or even the optimum rubble mound breakwater.

Theoretically, we should repeat the procedures j u s t used i n the previous three sections to determine optimum designs using various a r t i f i c i a l armor units such as cubes or t r i b a r s . An optimum design f o r a
monolithic v e r t i c a l breakwater should also be made.**rhe true optimum
solution would then be the cheapest of a l l these individual optimum
solutions.
We should, i n a d d i t i o n , t i e our optimum breakwater design to an
optimization of the t o t a l harbor complex. (These were s p l i t i n section
11.2).
This can be very important when the breakwaters represent an important
portion of the harbor investment. This involves adding anothe-r "dimension" to our optimization, namely the crest elevation. Thus, optimizations o f stone breakwaters f o r a series of crest elevations can be made.
Choosing from each crest elevation the best design yields a new curve
of cost versus crest height. This can be combined with harbor data to
optimize the t o t a l p r o j e c t .
'%^'\t
can be argued that a very low real i n t e r e s t r a t e , equal to the
borrowing i n t e r e s t rate minus the i n f l a t i o n r a t e , shoul d be used i n

these computations.
* * This w i l l be done i n chapter 19.
85
The work presented i n sections 4 through 7 of t h i s chapter can

give the impression that a true optimum design can be made based purely
upon computations;
this
is
certainty
not
the
case.
The relationship between wave height and percent damage ( e f f e c t i v e l y

f i g u r e 11.5) must be determined by experiment, especially when overtopping can be expected.
Effects of scour on the toe construction f o r the breakwater must be i n vestigated via a model; a l l s o i l mechanics aspects have been ignored i n
the present analysis. Since the breakwater is exposed to breaking waves,
the value of y chosen or determined - equation 11.02 - can have an appreciable influence on the design. This f a c t o r , also, can be checked i n a
model.
A l l breakwater costs have been determined f o r a 1 meter long typical
section o f the s t r u c t u r e . In a real harbor design problem various portions of the breakwater would be exposed to d i f f e r e n t wave climates because of variations i n
water depth and wind f e t c h , f o r example. Several
cross sections must, t h e r e f o r e , be optimized. However, the designer must

remain aware o f the f a c t that the cross-sections
are i n t e r - r e l a t e d . I t
would normally not be economical, f o r example, to use a whole v a r i e t y of

d i f f e r e n t types of armor units on d i f f e r e n t sections of the same breakwater.
The extent o f the t o t a l breakwater project also a f f e c t s the opt i m i z a t i o n via the maintenance costs. How? In the presentation above
i t was assumed that the cost of repairing the primary armor layer was
twice as much per unit volume as i t s construction cost. Since the
cost of mobilizing the necessary construction equipment to a given
s i t e is p r e t t y much independent of the amount of damage to be repaired, i t i s , i n f a c t , r e l a t i v e l y much more expensive to replace lOO ar
mor units on a breakwater 500 m long than to replace 1000 units on
a structure ten times as long. Therefore, the r a t i o of armor layer
unit maintenence cost to unit construction cost - assumed to be 2,
above - decreases as a p r o j e c t becomes larger. This i s the reason
that t h i s f a c t o r decreased with increasing damage. Thus, maintenance
costs become r e l a t i v e l y more important f o r smaller - shorter - structures; the optimum point w i l l s h i f t to the r i g h t on f i g u r e 11.6, t o ward a higher design wave. For very small p r o j e c t s , such as a yacht
harbor i n a more or less protected l o c a t i o n , i t i s o f t e n most economical to design the breakwater to withstandthe maximum expected wave a design f o r no damage.
The damage cost calculation presented i n section 11.6 was based
upon an assumption that damage to the breakwater was repaired immed i a t e l y regardless of i t s extent. Such an approach .is conservative.
I f unrepaired minor damage can lead to more severe damage i n a l a t e r
storm than would otherwise be expected, then such conservatism would
be necessary. I f , on the other hand, p a r t i a l damage now-less than a
certain percentage - does not a f f e c t f u t u r e damage,then i t i s no
longer necessary or economical to conduct minor repairs. Nijboer
86
(1972) has investigated t h i s problem somewhat experimentally. Much

f u r t h e r research is needed to determine which of the above hypotheses
about p a r t i a l damage is correct and what l i m i t o f p a r t i a l damage can
be tolerated before repairs are made.
J.F. Agema
12.
EXAMPLE OF RUBBLE MOUND BREAKWATER
W.W. Massie
Complete descriptions of the design and background philosophy o f

s p e c i f i c rubble mound breakwaters are d i f f i c u l t to f i n d i n the l i t e r a t u r e . Information over stone rubble mound breakwaters is especially
hard to f i n d i n published form. Obviously design reports are prepared
but these are most often proprietary and are not f o r general
publi-
cation such as i n t h i s book.

One example, the design o f the new harbor entrance at Rotterdam,
w i l l be treated i n d e t a i l . However, since both rubble mound and monol i t h i c breakwaters were considered f o r that harbor entrance, t h i s presentation is postponed u n t i l a f t e r the p r i n c i p l e s o f monolithic breakwater design have been treated.
87
13.
MONOLITHIC BREAKWATERS
13.1.
Definition
E.W. B i j k e r
The most s t r i k i n g c h a r a c t e r i s t i c of a monolithic breakwater is

adequately described by i t s name, monolith -
a single large stone.
Thus, a monolithic breakwater consists, eventually, o f a single massive

u n i t even though i t may be constructed from smaller elements r i g i d l y
connected together.
This chapter w i l l serve f u r t h e r to introduce the various problems
i n the design of monolithic breakwaters. These w i l l be amplified i n separate chapters which f o l l o w ; examples w i l l be given at the end in chapter
20.
13.2.
General Features
The monolithic form of these breakwaters can be both an advantage
and a disadvantage. Several of these advantages with respect to rubble

mound breakwaters have already been mentioned i n chapter 3. The most important advantages are savings i n material and p o t e n t i a l l y quick construct i o n . I t s major disadvantage i s that a loading exceeding the design condit i o n can r e s u l t i n immediate t o t a l f a i l u r e . The consequences of t h i s f o r
the optimum design procedure w i l l be highlighted i n chapter 19.
Most monolithic breakwaters are v e r t i c a l - faced. This is not a necessary condition i n terms of type characterization; i t is simply a matter
of construction convenience. The most t r a d i t i o n a l form of monolothic breakwater is constructed from large blocks as shown i n f i g u r e 1 3 . 1 . These block
can be cut from stone, but dense concrete is probably more common. The bloc
i n t h i s f i g u r e s are 3 x 3 x 6 m w i t h a volume o f 54 m^ and a mass of about
130 tons.
cross
section
Â^//=777
^v:;^77^ -77:^7,
elevation view
F i g u r e 13.1
T Y P I C A L MONOLITHIC
S C A L E 1 : 150
BREAKWATER
88
Obviously, p r e t t y heavy construction equipment is needed. This aspect

is discussed i n more d e t a i l i n chapter 18.
Why use such heavy blocks i f they make construction so d i f f i c u l t ? This
is done because t h i s breakwater derives i t s s t a b i l i t y under wave action a l most exclusively from s t a t i c f r i c t i o n forces between the blocks. This requires that at least the upper blocks be heavy. Sometimes the blocks are
dowelled together v e r t i c a l l y with heavy steel bars which transmit shear
forces across the horizontal j o i n t s . Such a construction is impractical
when natural cut stone blocks are used. Special properties of materials
for use i n monolithic breakwaters w i l l be discussed i n chapter 14.
I t was assumed when making f i g u r e 13,1 that the ground upon which
the breakwater was constructed was smooth and h o r i z o n t a l . Since the
chance of this occurring n a t u r a l l y is small, another more f l e x i b l e
( i n terms of foundation) form i s chosen as shown i n f i g u r e 13.2. As
w i l l become apparent i n chapter 16, the f i l l material between the
uneven bottom and the heavy blocks is subjected to especially d i f f i c u l t loadings. In f a c t , many v e r t i c a l breakwaters f a i l due to foundation f a i l u r e r e s u l t i n g from wave impact forces - See chapter 15.
cast i n p l a c e c r e s t
Figure
13.2
MONOLITHIC BREAKWATER ON ROUGH BOTTOM

SCALE i:i500
At locations where there is a very l i m i t e d available working time,

hollow concrete caissons can be f l o a t e d into p o s i t i o n , sunk by f l o o ding with water and then ballasted with rubble or sand, A cross-sect i o n of such a breakwater is shown i n f i g u r e 13,3. The s k i r t s may be
added i n order to increase the horizontal s t a b i l i t y of the s t r u c t u r e .
Their effectiveness f o r the foundation i s explained i n chapter 16.
The cap shown in the f i g u r e is made from either asphalt or portland cement concrete a f t e r the f i l l
rubble are the most common f i l l
has been placed; sand and grouted
materials.
Large caissons can be much bigger than that shown i n f i g u r e 13.3.

Rectangular units as large as 20 m high, 15 m wide and 60 m long have
been b u i l t .
Methods f o r aligning and connecting adjacent caisson units are d i s cussed in chapter IB.
89
When s t a b i l i t y considerations allow i t , material can be saved by

making the crest of the breakwater lower and extending a cantilevered
wall upward on the sea side to prevent overtopping. This concept is
shown i n f i g u r e 13.4. This parapet is usually cast in place a f t e r the
caissons have been placed ; as such, i t can be used to create a neat
appearance by camouflaging the misaligment of the u n i t s .
Other forms of caissons and other methods of placement can be used.
,+A.5
Vertical c y l i n d r i c a l concrete caissons have been placed by a special

crane operating from the crest of the completed breakwater. This was
f i r s t done at Hanstholm, Denmark; that breakwater with a sloping f r o n t
also employed there served as the prototype f o r what is now called the
Hanstholm type of monolithic breakwater. As w i l l be shown in chapter 15,
the chamfered sloping f r o n t on such on monolithic breakwater can reduce
the magnitude o f wave impact forces considerably; other benefits f o r
the foundation are described i n chapter 16. Figure 13.5 shows such a
breakwater.
Another method of reducing the wave forces on monolithic breakwaters is construct a hollow perforated chamber on the weather side o f
the s t r u c t u r e . Such a concept was used at Baie Comeau i n Quebec, Canada
and is shown i n f i g u r e 6-71 of the shore Proteotion
Manual, This same
p r i n c i p l e was applied to the Ekofisk o i l storage tank in the North Sea.

Wave action causes more than j u s t d i r e c t loadings on a v e r t i c a l
breakwater. Serious erosion problems can be caused by a standing wave
F i g u r e 13.5
which can develop before a v e r t i c a l r e f l e c t i n g breakwater - see chapter
HANSTHOLM
17. Since these problems are most severe when the foundations are shallow,
as with caissons, an alternate form of monolithic breakwater consists of
v e r t i c a l steel sheet p i l e c e l l s . When bottom conditions are favorable,
the i n t e r l o c k i n g sheet piles can be driven i n t o the bottom to s u f f i c i e n t
depth to avoid foundation problems. A f t e r the c e l l s are completed they are
A parapet wall can be used with any type of monolithic breakwater, however.
BREAKWATER
90
f i l l e d and capped j u s t as is done with caissons. Unfortunately, a r e l a t i v e l y

long time is needed at the breakwater s i t e to drive the sheet piles as
compared to f l o a t i n g caissons into p o s i t i o n .
When weather conditions dictate the use of caissons and foundation
problems p r o h i b i t t h e i r permanent use, a composite form o f structure such
as shown i n f i g u r e 13.6 i s sometimes used. The i n i t i a l construction cons i s t s of the caissons which are then protected on the weather side by the
rubble mound slope placed against i t . This armored slope can be designed
using the techniques applicable f o r rubble mound breakwaters explained
e a r l i e r i n these notes. In f i g u r e 13.6 i t is obvious that the caisson
top provides an excellent work road f o r placing the rubble slope.
We s t a r t the treatment of s p e c i f i c details i n the f o l l o w i n g chapter by
discussing the necessary properties of monolithic breakwater materials.
F i g u r e 13.6
COMPOSITE
SCALE
BREAKWATER
1:500
91
14.
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
14.1.
Introduction
W.W. Massie
Since the same materials as are used in rubble mound breakwaters

are exposed to more or less equivalent environmental conditions one
might conclude that the material properties required f o r monolithic
breakwaters might also be the same as f o r rubble mound armor u n i t s .
This is not the case; there are important differences i n construction
details and environmental attack. The properties of the materials l i s t e d
below can be seen as an extension and modification of the l i s t
presented
e a r l i e r i n chapter 6.
14.2.
Environmental Differences
In contrast to rubble mound breakwaters which usually absorb much
of the oncoming wave energy, monolithic structures, because they are less
permeable, tend to keep the wave energy "on t h e i r surface". In other words,
the oncoming wave energy is either r e f l e c t e d back away from the breakwater
or dissipated i n run-up on the (impervious) surface.
The large f l a t surfaces which characterize so many monolithic breakwaters must be constructed of materials specially selected to r e s i s t the
p a r t i c u l a r attack. S p e c i f i c a l l y , those waves which break against a monolit h i c structure can cause high (tens of atmospheres)
but short duration-
(milliseconds) impact forces. These are described i n more d e t a i l in the

f o l l o w i n g chapter.
14.3.
Consequences f o r Materials
Remembering Pascal's law and experiment from elementary f l u i d mecha-
nics one realizes that i f such a high hydrodynamic impact force should
occur on a water f i l l e d j o i n t or crack (even a h a i r l i n e crack is s u f f i c i e n t )
t h i s pressure w i l l act undiminished over a l l surfaces o f t h i s crack. This
can lead to progressive f r a c t u r e or s p a l l i n g of the m a t e r i a l . Obviously',
prevention of crack formation is the simplest cure f o r t h i s problem. Thus
granite or basalt stone used to construct a breakwater o f massive cut
blocks should be fine-grained and not j o i n t e d . *
Concrete used should have an especially smooth surface.
Further, since many monolothic concrete structures contain steel , e i t h e r
as r e i n f o r c i n g or as pre-tensioning, the surrounding concrete must be
s u f f i c i e n t to protect t h i s steel from d i r e c t chemical attack.
Since monolithic breakwaters are designed to behave as a single
massive u n i t , the density property of armor units f o r rubble mound breakwaters is much less important f o r monolithic structures.
This word is used here i n the geological sense.
92
15.
WAVE FORCES ON VERTICAL WALLS
15.1.
Introduction
W.W. Massie
When non breaking waves attack a v e r t i c a l impermeable breakwater

surface with t h e i r crests p a r a l l e l to the breakwater a x i s , they are
almost t o t a l l y r e f l e c t e d . This r e f l e c t e d wave, or c l a p o t i s ,
is
discussed i n the following section.

When, on the other hand, a breaking wave h i t s a v e r t i c a l b a r r i e r ,
e n t i r e l y d i f f e r e n t additional forces are generated.These are
discussed i n sections 15.3 and 15.5.
15.2.
Standing Waves
As long as the water depth at the toe of the v e r t i c a l wall i s
s u f f i c i e n t , the approaching waves w i l l be r e f l e c t e d forming a nonbreaking standing wave. We may remember from short wave theory that
a standing wave results from the superposition of two t r a v e l l i n g
waves. An antinode of t h i s standing wave w i l l be found at the v e r t i c a l
wall l o c a t i o n . The pressure d i s t r i b i t i o n on t h i s wall follows from the
theory o f short waves presented i n volume I chapter 5. From equation
5.11 i n that volume:
P = - P9Z +
where:
l^^^
COS . t
(15.01)
H i s the wave height of the approaching wave,
h is the water depth,
k is the wave number =
p is the instantaneous
,
pressure,
T is the wave period,

t is time,
z is the v e r t i c a l coordinate measured from the water surface
(positive up),
A is the vrave length,
p i s the mass density of water, and
2
(D i s the wave frequency = -j- .
Note that the crest to trough water level d i f f e r e n c e at the wall w i l l
be equal to 2H. Figure 15.1 shows the extreme pressure d i s t r i b u t i o n s
acting on a v e r t i c a l w a l l . An approaching wave of 2m height with 5 s
period was used to plot the f i g u r e ; the water depth is 12 m. The commonly used linear interpolation f o r the maximum pressure under a wave
crest above the s t i l l water level i s shown as a dashed l i n e .
I f we examine the pressure at some f i x e d point on the wall as a
f u n c t i o n of time, we see that i t varies as a cosine f u n c t i o n about
^ French, meaning standing wave.
93
F i g u r e 15.1
PRESSURE D I A G R A M FOR STANDING
WAVELENGTH
D I S T O R T I O N 1 : 2.5
WAVE
the mean hydrostatic pressure. The period of t h i s pressure f l u c t u a t i o n

is the same as the wave period. The magnitude of t h i s dynamic
f l u c t u a t i o n is always less than the hydrostatic pressure resulting
from a s t a t i c head equivalent to the on-coming wave height.
Such pressure f l u c t u a t i o n s usually do not cause serious d i f f i c u l t i e s . This is in contrast to the impact forces of breaking waves
described i n the following section. Other consequences of these standing
waves w i l l be discussed in chapter 17.
15.3. Breaking Waves - Impact
Waves breaking against a structure can cause extremely high, short
d u r a t i o n , local pressures. (These r e l a t i v e terms w i l l be better
defined q u a n t i t a t i v e l y l a t e r i n t h i s section). What theoretical model
is most suited to describe t h i s phenomona?
94
Continuous water j e t
We are well aware of the influence of a continuous water j e t impinging perpendicularly on a f l a t plate. This was the classis example
used to i l l u s t r a t e the momentum equation i n elementary steady flow
f l u i d mechanics. The r e s u l t i n g pressure on the plate was found to be:
p =
1 P
(15.02)
where V is the v e l o c i t y of the approaching flow.

Equation 15.02 y i e l d s pressures considerably less than observed
impact pressures, even though the v e l o c i t y of the approaching flow
is the c e l e r i t y of the wave. This follows from shallow water wave
theory, volume I , chapter 5.
Water hammer
A second approach is based upon an assumption that a h o r i z o n t a l l y
oriented block of water having length L h i t s a r i g i d wall with
v e l o c i t y V. Continuing the analogy to water hammer in r i g i d
pipelines,
a Shockwave propagates through the length L at the speed o f sound i n

water, e.
The time during which t h i s occurs is 6 = L/e. A f t e r t h i s t i m e , 6 , the
shock wave returns at the same speed to the s t a r t i n g p o i n t .
Thus, the t o t a l time duration of the impact i s :
At = 2 6 = 2L/c
(15.03)
where: c i s the v e l o c i t y of sound i n sea water (about 1543 m/s Sverdrup et al (1942)),
L is the length of the water mass, and
At is the t o t a l duration of the impact pressure.
This water mass causes a pressure maximum given approximately by:
p = p Ve
(15.04)
when t h i s strikes a r i g i d surface and is contained in a r i g i d pipe see Heerema (1974). The r i g i d surface assumption is not too bad, but
the oncoming water mass is c e r t a i n l y not r i g i d l y contained in the
directions normal to the flow. Further, no allowance has been made
f o r the e f f e c t s of a i r which may either be entrained i n the breaking
wave or trapped between i t and the v e r t i c a l w a l l . Fhrbter (1969) and
summarized by Heerema (1974) attempted to correct f o r these d e f i c i e n cies in an experimental study. He found that the e f f e c t i v e length,
L, of the approaching water mass was of the same order as the hydraul i c radius, R, of the impact area. This was explained by the f a c t
95
that sidewards escape of water develops (via a sidewards shock wave)

j u s t as f a s t as the shock wave travels back through the approaching
water. The duration of t h i s maximum pressure is then of order
At = ^
(15.05)
where: R is the hydraulic radius of the impact area.

The maximum pressure found was about ten percent of t h a t given by
15.04, above, during his laboratory work. Entrained a i r and the a i r
cushion between the water mass and the wall tended to increase the
values of At given by equation 15.05 and decrease the maximum
pressures. Fhrbter explained t h i s by reasoning that the entrapped
a i r must f i r s t be compressed before the sidewards shock wave and
water escape can be i n i t i a t e d . Thus, the e f f e c t i v e length becomes
longer.
Another reason f o r the lower observed maximum pressures is the
sidewards escape of the shock wave. Equation 15.04 usually predicts
pressures much greater than those experienced in practice. Even when
hydroelectric povrer station penstocks bored through s o l i d rock are
considered - a nearly ideal case - the measured water hammer pressures are usually less severe than predicted by equation 15.04.
15.4. Comparative Results
For i l l u s t r a t i v e purposes we shall l e t a wide j e t of water 1 m
t h i c k s t r i k e a v e r t i c a l r i g i d wall with a v e l o c i t y of 10 m/s. The
hydraulic radius of t h i s j e t is 0.5 m; the v e l o c i t y of sound in sea
water is 1543 m/s.
The continuous j e t approach (equation 15.02) y i e l d s :
p = (i)(1030)(10)2 = 5.5 X 10^ N/m^
(15.06)
At = >
(15.07)
with
The water hammer approach (equations 15.04 and 15.05) y i e l d s :

p = (1030)(10)(1543) = 1589 x 10^ N/m^
(15.08)
,t = ^
(15.09)
and
=
0.3 ms.
Fhrbter (1969), in contrast, found a value less than 10 % of

t h a t in (15.08) and about ten times that i n (15.06). The impact
duration was about 4 ms.
96
Ttie largest wave impact forces measured on prototype v e r t i c a l

4
2
breakwaters is in the order of magnitude of 100 x 10 N/m . One can
conclude that these results are not i n c o n f l i c t with each other.
15.5. Other Wave Forces
Two extremes of wave forces have j u s t been described: the
clapotis with a period equal to the wave period and and impact
force l a s t i n g only milliseconds. These two theoretical models
are not s u f f i c i e n t to describe the t o t a l force on a v e r t i c a l wall
in breaking waves. Prototype measurements carried out on the Haringv l i e t Sluice gates reported i n an anonymous report by the Service
of the Delta Works (Nota W-644) and model studies - van de Kreeke
(1963)-have shown that additional force components are present.
As might be expected, these additional components l i e between
the extremes already described, both with regard to period and to
magnitude of the t o t a l r e s u l t i n g f o r c e . For design purposes an
"average" loading period i n the order of 1 second i s o f t e n used.
Attempts to relate t h i s dynamic force to the wave properties have
not yet succeeded.
In the model work reported by van de Kreeke (1963), a model
caisson was subjected to a random wind wave having a given s i g n i f i cant wave height and period. This yielded a scattering of values of
the maximum dynamic force on the model caused by each wave. These
values were s t a t i s t i c a l l y analyzed; they did not f i t any of the
usual s t a t i s t i c a l models used f o r waves such as the Rayleigh
D i s t r i b u t i o n which one might possibly expect. The force peaks
measured having a low frequency of exceedance (less than, say,a few
percent) were somewhat higher than the Rayleigh D i s t r i b u t i o n would
predict. This is most l i k e l y the influence of the wave impacts al ready described.
Not enough is known about the physical background of these forces to
make a correct theoretical derivation possible. The best that can
be done now is to attempt to evaluate the necessary forces and f r e quencies of exceedance from model or prototype t e s t i n g . The importance of these p a r t i c u l a r forces i n design w i l l be pointed out i n
the following chapter.
15.6. Additional Comments
There is some question about the v a l i d i t y of the model scale
laws f o r t h i s process. Also, i t must be remembered that instrument a t i o n used to measure impact forces, must o f t e n be rather sophisticated i n order to achieve an accurate response to the short duration
forces involved.
* I t is important to distinguish between the looal
described i n section 15.3 and the resulting
caisson being discussed
here.
wave impact
dynamic foroe
ipressures
on a large
97
A study of breaking wave impact forces on slopes is being carr

out by the Hydraulic Structures Group w i t h i n the C i v i l Engineering
Department of the D e l f t University of Technology.
The e f f e c t s of hydrodynamic forces on a monolithic breakwater
are discussed i n chapter 16.
98
16.
MONOLITHIC BREAKWATER FOUNDATIONS
16.1.
Failure Types and Causes
E.W.
Bijker
W.W. Massie
Three s p e c i f i c types of breakwater foundation f a i l u r e i n addition

to those associated with rubble mound breakwaters must be considered.
Only these three additional possible f a i l u r e s , s e t t l i n g i n quicksand,
horizontal s l i d i n g , and overturning w i l l be discussed i n t h i s chapter.
Other types of foundation f a i l u r e such as excessive soil
consolidation
and foundation s o i l s l i p f a i l u r e s , common to other types o f s t r u c t u r e s ,

w i l l not be discussed i n t h i s chapter.
As is pointed out i n the following section, quicksand can tempor a r i l y r e s u l t when a short duration Impulse load i s applied to a s o i l
mass. Such f a i l u r e s are thus caused by the short duration wave impacts
described i n the previous chapter.
The clapotis forces having a period equal to the wave period (several seconds) act over a s u f f i c i e n t l y long time to possibly cause horizontal s l i d i n g or overturning o f the breakwater. The true impact f o r ces do not act f o r a long enough time to cause s i g n i f i c a n t displacements
- a few decimeters i n t h i s case. The shorter period dynamic forces having periods of about one second can also cause horizontal s l i d i n g or
overturning. The calculation involved f o r s l i d i n g is discussed i n sect i o n 5 of t h i s chapter; overturning is considered i n section 7.
16;2.
Types of Foundations
Some Indication of foundation types has already been given i n chap-
t e r 13. The types mentioned there w i l l be discussed i n more d e t a i l here.

Special attention w i l l be paid l a t e r i n t h i s chapter to dynamic e f f e c t s
resulting from wave impact and other dynamic forces explained i n the
previous chapter.
Just as with any other s t r u c t u r e , the purpose of the foundation is
to transmit the necessary s t a t i c and dynamic loads to the underlying
soil layers. When the breakwater is constructed on a very hard clay or
rock bottom t h i s purpose is easily f u l f i l l e d ; the foundation then serves primarily to form a smooth horizontal construction surface.
Unfortunately, not a l l monolithic breakwaters are founded upon
such ideal materials. When the s o i l does not have s u f f i c i e n t bearing
capacity then one a l t e r n a t i v e is to construct an underlayer of loose
material i n such a way that the loads are spread over a greater area.
See f i g u r e 16.1. Such a construction r e s u l t s , i n f a c t , i n a composite
F i g u r e 16.1
C O M P O S I T E B R E A K W A T E R CROSS
SECTION ON MODERATELY S T I F F SOIL
breakwater.
The foundation j u s t proposed is adaptable only when the surface
of the underlying ground s t i l l
has a reasonable bearing capacity. When a
r e l a t i v e l y weak surface layer of l i m i t e d thickness covers a layer with

higher bearing capacity, another solution i s to replace the s o f t layer
with higher q u a l i t y foundation material such as coarse sand or f i n e grav e l . Such s o i l improvement operations are expensive, especially when the
poor q u a l i t y layer i s t h i c k .
99
A remaining a l t e r n a t i v e is to construct a p i l e foundation or to

use an open caisson or sheet p i l e cell type o f breakwater. Such breakwaters, although very expensive, can s t i l l be the best a l t e r n a t i v e i n
deep water orwhere bottom conditions are too poor f o r even a rubble mound
structure.
Fine sand s o i l s can present some o f the most troublesome problems
for monolithic breakwater foundations, especially i f i t i s loosely packed. When s o i l loadings vary very quickly - as a result of wave impact
forces, f o r example - the changing packing of the soil grains decreases
the void r a t i o and results i n an excess of pore water which cannot escape during the short time interval involved. This water w i l l not be able
to bear the extra load r e s u l t i n g i n loss of s t a b i l i t y of the s o i l mass
- a quicksand condition. Even though t h i s loss of s t a b i l i t y i s of short
duration, repeated occurrences can - and usually do - lead to f a i l u r e
of the structure involved. I f i t occurs evenly under the entire s t r u c t u r e ,
the breakwater can sink v e r t i c a l l y into the ground.
This phenomenon can be easily observed. Ships washed up on a sandy
beach usually experience the deleterious e f f e c t s o f t h i s quicksand cond i t i o n . Automobiles parked on beaches have experienced the same t h i n g . In
t h i s case the varying force between the t i r e s and the sand comes from the
i n f i n i t e s i m a l v i b r a t i o n of the beach caused by surf i n the v i c i n i t y . *
Uneven settlement o f a monolithic structure i s most l i k e l y . When a
through longitudinal j o i n t exists i n a v e r t i c a l breakwater the embaras-
^ ' - a d d e d later\
7^
sing condition shown i n f i g u r e 16.2 may r e s u l t . This has happened with

the Manora breakwater near Karachi, Pakistan. Once such a settlement has
F i g u r e 16.2
taken place here there i s l i t t l e to be done to e f f e c t a repair. Place-
CROSS SECTION SHOWING R E S U L

OF Q U I C K S A N D C O N D I T I O N
ment of rubble against the sagging side, forming a composite breakwater,

may prevent f u r t h e r d e t e r i o r a t i o n .
Obviously, t h i s problem can best be avoided. One method is to
place a porous but sand-tight f i l t e r layer under the monolithic structure. This w i l l lock much l i k e the f i l t e r used under a rubble mound
breakwater even though t h i s one is b u i l t f o r an entirely
reason.
different
F i l t e r s under monolithic structures tend to be r e l a t i v e l y
t h i x k i n order to guarantee the water s u f f i c i e n t space to escape - see

f i g u r e 16.3.
filter
fine
Figure
layers
sand
16.3
F I L T E R LAYER U N D E R M O N O L I T H I C
BREAKWATER
A cheaper experiment than s a c r i f i c i n g one's auto at the beach is to

stamp one's feet on the saturated sand.
100
Sometimes such a f i l t e r is i n s u f f i c i e n t to provide complete s t a b i lity-quicksand may s t i l l
develop in deeper layers. Vertical
drainage
can then be provided with v e r t i c a l sand drains consisting of coarse

sand.
S t i l l more comprehensive subsoil improvement schemes can be used.
A r t i f i c i a l compaction or even grouting can sometimes be worth considering. Such solutions are r e l a t i v e l y expensive f o r common use, however.
Another e n t i r e l y d i f f e r e n t approach is to adapt the basic monolit h i c structure to the d i f f i c u l t s o i l conditions. This can be done by
constructing a more or less conventional p i l e foundation under the
monolithic construction. This has been done i n the past, at IJmuiden,
The Netherlands, f o r example, but is rather expensive today.
Another adaption a l t e r n a t i v e is to construct the breakwater by
forming c e l l s of driven steel sheet p i l e s . These c e l l s are then f i l l e d
and capped. This technique is often used f o r constructing temporary
building p i t s .
Whatever the foundation chosen, i t must be evaluated using a l l
the classical foundation analysis c r i t e r i a such as t o t a l and d i f f e r e n t i a l settlement and s l i p c i r c l e analyses. The influence o f wave loads
on the structure which are transmitted to the foundation is the topic
of the following sections.
16.3. Impact Load Response
The "normal" wave loads caused by the pressure f l u c t u a t i o n s result i n g from a clapotis - see section 15.2 - may usually be treated as
s t a t i c loads on the structure. The foundation analysis is
reasonably
straightforward.
Wave impact loads described i n the previous chapter can, however,
cause s i g n i f i c a n t analysis problems. Since the duration o f an impact
force is not long (a few tenths of a second) r e l a t i v e to the natural
period of v i b r a t i o n of the structure, these loads can no longer be
treated as s t a t i c .
I n e r t i a e f f e c t s of movements of the breakwater must
be included.
The combination o f the breakwater, surrounding water, subsoil and
foundation may be schematized as a mass-spring system. The spring is
formed by the s o i l . Although t h i s may not be a nice l i n e a r spring, l i nearity is assumed in the f u r t h e r analysis. The mass consists of the
breakwater mass plus an e f f e c t i v e ( v i r t u a l ) water mass f o r those motions which excite water movements (waves). A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h e ' S o i l
forming the spring also has a mass which must be included. A v i r t u a l
mass of soil is also involved. How large is t h i s v i r t u a l s o i l mass?

An extremely large mass of s o i l can be excited by the v i b r a t i n g
breakwater. However, as shown schematically in f i g u r e 16.4, the i n fluence of t h i s breakwater motion decreases with distance from the
Figure 16.4
SCHEMATIC R E P R E S E N T A T I O N O F
S I G N I F I C A N C E OF EQUATION 16.01
breakwater. In the same way as is done f o r hydrodynamic forces on

piles - see volume IV - the v i r t u a l mass is defined as an equivalent
mass which would have the same influence as the t o t a l s o i l mass i f the
v i r t u a l mass moved with the breakwater.
In equation form:
101
00
oo
p
-00
a ( x , y , z ) d x l d y dz
(16.01)
l_-oo
where:
a(x,y,z)
ag i s
is
the a c c e l e r a t i o n
of the soil
the acceleration of the
nig i s
the v i r t u a l
Pg i s
t h e mass d e n s i t y o f
soil
at point
(x,y,z),
breakwater,
mass, and
soil.
The calculations i n equation 1 6 . 0 1 can
be carried out f o r each of the
motion component d i r e c t i o n s . An analogous equation should be used t o ,

determine the v i r t u a l s o i l moment of i n e r t i a f o r r o t a t i o n v i b r a t i o n s .
With t h i s information, the equations o f motion of the breakwater
can be w r i t t e n . In the f o l l o w i n g the time-dependent dynamic f o r c e , F ( t ) ,
includes only the wave impact f o r c e ; the normal wave loads are excluded.
For the v e r t i c a l component of motion:
Fz(t) = (fflg +
11152)2+
(16.02)
For the horizontal component:

F,(t)
(mg + m^^ + m ) X + c ^
(16.03)
And f o r r o t a t i o n about the y axis;
My(t) =
(IB
+ Isy + Iwy)* +
(16.04)
where:
m^ is a v i r t u a l water mass,
I
is a v i r t u a l i n e r t i a ,
is the spring constant, and
subscripts x, z, ((. r e f e r to items evaluated in those d i r e c t i o n s .

Accelerations are denoted in the above equations using the Newtonian
notation; z =
No damping has been included; t h i s ommission is
not serious wh^n only the short term behavior is important and the
damping is not too great.
Equations of the form of
(16.03)
and
(16.04)
are treated in dy-
namics of undamped single mass-spring systems; Bouma and Esveld
(1976)
t r e a t the problem thoroughly. Such dynamic systems have a natural f r e quency given by:
(16.05)
where: M is the t o t a l mass, and

M is the natural frequency
This is true in theory. The practical execution is o f t e n nearly impossible.
102
Applying t h i s to the horizontal motions (equation 16.03) y i e l d s :

r
nx
(16.06)
+ ""s + w
Further properties of the response are dependent upon the char a c t e r i s t i c s of the applied f o r c e , F ( t ) . For example i f F ( t ) is a
block f u n c t i o n :
for t 0
F(t) = 0
(16.07)
for 0 < t < t^ :
F ( t ) = F = constant
(16.08)
for t ^ t j
F(t) = 0
(16.09)
then, again using (16.03) as an example:

want
contact force
here
[cos[
(t - t ^ ) ] -
cos(.^^t)]
(16.10)
F (t)
F
for t ^ t^
Responses to other types of loads are also given by Bouma and Esveld
mw
(1976).
Our primary i n t e r e s t , however, is in the contact force between
Figure
15.5a
PROBLEM
the breakwater and ground. This can be better visualized using the
SCHEMATIZATION
schematized model shown i n f i g u r e 16.5.

This contact force can be exposed by separating the mass as
shown i n f i g u r e 16.5b. From that f i g u r e , i t follows that:
c(t)
F(t)
S ( t ) = F,(t)
(16.11)
By once again r e s t r i c t i n g F ( t ) to a block f u n c t i o n , we can evaluate

(16.11) by s u b s t i t u t i n g the second derivative of (16.10) f o r x:
F i g u r e 16.5 b
EXPOSURE OFCONTACT
Cx(t) = 0 - (mg + m^) ^ 0 . 2 ^ [cos .o^^t - cos [ co^^(t - t ^ ) ] ] ( 1 6 . 1 2 )

X
FORCE
Since t h i s is v a l i d only f o r t >_ t ^ , F ( t ) = 0.* Substituting f o r in^^

from equation 16.06 y i e l d s :
mn +
c,(t)
mn +
+ m.
F [ cos ^^^t
cos [ M ^ ^ ( t - t ^ ) ] ]
(16.13)
This is a nice neat r e s u l t , but why are we spending so much e f f o r t on a block function response? Even though most dynamic loads on
breakwaters are not block f u n c t i o n s , any loading function can be approximated by the sum of several of these block f u n c t i o n s . Since the system
has been assumed to be l i n e a r , the response (contact f o r c e , i n t h i s case)
w i l l be the sum of the contact forces caused by each of the block funct i o n s . This w i l l be i l l u s t r a t e d with an example i n the next section.
Before proceeding to that example, however, i t is useful to examine
Note: Even though F ( t ) = 0 f o r t >^ t^ - equation 16.09, F ^ 0;
i t comes from the derivative of equation 16.10.
103
the response o f the breakwater under a few l i m i t i n g conditions.

When the bottom material is very hard - rock, f o r example - a
s t i f f spring r e s u l t s , c is large and hence lo^ is large. Since the s t i f f
spring l i m i t s displacements and hence accelerations the contact force
approaches a value F. One can argue that these contact forces can be
carried easily by the hard (rock) s o i l . This i s sometimes not the case,
since local stress concentrations can occur i n the rock or on i t s contact surface as a r e s u l t o f , say, j o i n t i n g i n the rock. These l o c a l l y
concentrated stresses can r e s u l t i n local rock f a i l u r e . The breakwater
e f f e c t i v e l y "grinds" i t s e l f slowly into the rock layer.
I f , on the other hand, the s o i l is very s o f t mud f o r example, the
spring constant, c,
i s very small and the natural frequency i s also
small. The v i r t u a l s o i l mass can be large. Under these conditions, the

term i n brackets i n 16.13 approaches zero since the arguments of both
cosine terms are nearly zero. Thus, C(t) approaches zero; the applied
force i s absorbed by momentum changes of the breakwater.
The contact f o r c e , C ( t ) , is also strongly dependent upon the
duration o f the block f o r c e , t p
o f
r e l a t i v e to the natural period,
the breakwater. For example, when
i s equal to the natural
period, the two cosine terms i n equation 16.13 cancel out and C(t)
= 0 f o r a l l t 21 t p Another extreme example occurs when t^ i s one
h a l f o f the natural period. The maximum value of the term i n brackets i n equation 16.13 i s then two, and C(t) undergoes i t s maximum
v a r i a t i o n . In general, the force duration f o r impact forces on breakwaters w i l l be shorter than the natural period of the construction.
16.4. Example of Impact Response
Consider a single caisson o f a monolithic breakwater having d i mensions o f 15 X 10 x 30 m and a mass o f 9 x 10^ kg. A wave impact
pressure having a maximum value of 5 x 10^ N/m^ acts over an area
1.5 m high and 8 m wide f o r a t o t a l time of 20 ms. The r e s u l t i n g
actual and schematized force diagrams are shown i n f i g u r e 16.6. The
s o i l spring constant i s 3 x lO^'^'^ N/m and the v i r t u a l s o i l mass is
equal to the mass of the breakwater. The v i r t u a l water mass is 11
percent o f the breakwater mass.
Using (16.06) and the above data:
3
10
= 125.69
rad/sec.
(16.14)
( 1 . + 1. + 0.11)(9 X 10^)
or
1^ = 50 ms
(16.15)
also.
1. + 0.11
= T: + 1 . + 0 . 1 1
= 0.526
(16.16)
104
ACTUAL
FORCE
SCHEMATIZED
FORCE
UJ
u
cc
e
10
Time
Figure
20
15
in m i l l i s e c o n d s
16.6
ACTUAL A N D SCHEMATIZED
FORCE
DIAGRAM
Table 16.1 shows the response computations for-each o f the three

applied schematic block forces. The r e s u l t i n g contact response is obTable 16.1
Response to Schematized Forces
Lower Block
Middle Block
Upper Block
t^ = 15 ms
t l = 9 ms
t ^ = 5 ms
Absolute
time
(ms)
Total
Relative
Contact
Relative
Contact
Relati ve
Contact
Contai
Time
Force
Ti me
Force
Time
Force
Force
(ms)
(lO^N)
(ms)
(lO^N)
(ms)
(lO^N)
(lO^N
n
U
3
6
3.
6.
5.
0.20
9.
0.60
8.
0.41
0.91
11.
0.57
2.86
4.
9.
15
12.
1.
18
15.
1.38
12.
20
17.
1.58
14.
1.05
13.
0.63
3.26
25
22.
1.65
19.
1.09
18.
0.60
3.34
30
27.
1.08
24.
0.72
23.
0.35
2.15
35
32.
0.11
29.
0.07
28.
-0.04
0.14
33.
-0.41
-1.92
40
37.
-0.91
34.
-0.60
45
42.
-1.58
39.
-1.05
38.
-0.63
-3.26
50
47.
-1.65
44.
-1.09
43.
-0.60
-3.34
60
57.
-0.10
54.
-0.07
53.
0.04
-0.13
70
67.
1.58
64.
1.05
63.
0.63
3.26
80
0.35
2.15
77.
1.08
74.
0.72
73.
90
87.
-0.92
84.
-0.61
83.
-0.42
-1.95
100
97.
-1.65
94.
-1.09
93.
-0.60
-3.34
105
tained by adding the responses to each block function at a given time.

Table 16.1 and figure 16.7 show the results o f such computations. In
table 16.1 the absolute time is measured from the s t a r t of the rise
of the force ( t = 0 i n f i g . 16.6). Equation 16.13, used i n computing
the contact force components, has a time o r i g i n corresponding to the
s t a r t o f each block.
F i g u r e 16.7
R E S P O N S E TO E X A M P L E
LOADINGS
( A L L TIMES IN M I L L I S E C O N D S )
4-
schematic
applied
20
40
60
"io"
time
looTrns) Load
lower
block
response
middle
block
response
-4
106
16.5. Breakwater Sliding

When horizontal dynamic forces on a v e r t i c a l monolithic breakwater exceed the horizontal foundation f r i c t i o n f o r c e , displacement
of the breakwater is i n e v i t a b l e . The object of t h i s section w i l l be
to predict t h i s displacement given the loadings.
The force equilibrium f o r a unit length of v e r t i c a l caisson rest i n g on a horizontal bottom is shown in f i g u r e 16.8. The derivation
parallels that of van de Kreeke (1963). In t h i s f i g u r e the wave f o r ce, F^, acts h o r i z o n t a l l y and is assumed to be of form:
(16.17)
F^ sin Mt
where:
F^ is the dynamic force amplitude,
t
is time, and
is the frequency of the loading.
This load frequency is less than that o f impact forces treated earl i e r . I t is also much lower than the natural frequency o f the structure so that the forces may be considered to be s t a t i c ; the massspring analogy used e a r l i e r i n t h i s chapter can be neglected.
Vi/aves
,W
^
B
k ^-=
N
F
N
F i g u r e 16.8
FORCES ON B R E A K W A T E R
Since there is no v e r t i c a l motion of the s t r u c t u r e , v e r t i c a l

equilibrium y i e l d s :
(16.18)
N = W - B - N'
where:
B is the bouyant force with (assumed) s t i l l
water,
N is the r e s u l t i n g upward normal f o r c e ,

N' is the instantaneaous resultant v e r t i c a l dynamic force caused by propagation of wave pressures under the s t r u c t u r e ,
W is the weight of the caisson.
\V is of form:
107
N' = N' s i n a)t
(15.19)
thus,
N' = E F^^ = e
s i n ut
(16.20)
in which e i s a constant.
The horizontal f r i c t i o n f o r c e , Fp, i s related to the normal f o r c e ,
N, by the Coulomb f r i c t i o n c o e f f i c i e n t as f o l l o w s :
Fp u N
(16.21)
where u i s the f r i c t i o n c o e f f i c i e n t .
This f r i c t i o n c o e f f i c i e n t is related to the underlying soil properties by:
li = tan 4
(16.22)
where .j) is the angle o f internal f r i c t i o n of the s o i l . Examination of forces

in the horizontal d i r e c t i o n y i e l d s :
F
= Fp < u N
(16.23)
i f no motion i s to take place. The more i n t e r e s t i n g case with motion is.:

F-uN = mg^
where
(16.24)
mg = W/g
Substituting 16.20, 16.18, and 16.17 into 15.24 y i e l d s :

F^ sin ut - p[ W - B - E F^ sin ut ] = mg
(16.25)
Motion s t a r t s when the s t a t i c f r i , c t i o n force is f i r s t exceeded,

thus when - j ^ = 0. Using t h i s f a c t and a b i t of algebra we can
solve f o r the corresponding time t , or equivalently, phases ut
that t h i s occurs:
lot = sin
K ^ ( ~ i - )
- F
1 + pe J
(16.26)
Cal 1 t h i s root u t p
For computational ease, equation 16.25 can be rewritten as:
mg
= F^ (1 + yE) sin cot - y(W - B)
(16.27)
or:
^
(1
s, . t -
(16.38)
108
This can be integrated to determine the v e l o c i t y at any time
> tp
Doing t h i s :
^2
= I
v|
F
^
~- (I + ve)
m
(1 + us) sin . t dt -
^2
f
[COS ut2 - cos ojt^] - y
dt
'
(16.29)
(tg - t ^ )
(16.30)
The horizontal displacement has an extreme value at a time t2 such that

v|^^.(.
= 0, thus:
cos Mt^ - cos loti + ( t g - t | ) sin wt^ = 0
(16.31)
where 16.26 has been substituted. Obviously, t = t-^ i s also a solution

to t h i s equation.
The displacement follows from an integration of equation 16.30. I t should
be noted that t^ is a constant i n t h i s process.
x|^_^
=
'
v ( t ) dt
(16.32)
^1
^2
F
^
^2
(1 + ye) [cos ut -
COS
m t J dt -
( t - t l ) dt
(16.33)
- "2^^^ (1 + pe) [ s i n wtg - sin at-^] + ^ (1 + ye) COS o)t,(t2 - t-^)

to mn
"
B
(*2 - ^ l ) '
(16.34)
Using 16.26 i n the l a s t term:

=
2
2
mg 10
[ sin totg + sin lot^ + (jj(t2 - t ^ ) cos ut-,
1 2
2
- -2- 10 (tg - t^)
sin u t ^ ]
(16.35)
This is the o b j e c t i v e l Now, there remains only a problem of evaluat i n g equation 16.35 i n view of the f a c t that neither t-^ nor tg is
exactly known. ( I n a given physical problem, a l l of the other coeff i c i e n t s are known.) Luckily, t^ can be solved easily using known
parameters in equation 16.26; indeed, t h i s is simply an inverse sine
f u n c t i o n . Then, given a value f o r w t p iot2 can be solved using equat i o n 16.31. The solution of t h i s non l i n e a r equation must be done by
t r i a l . A v a l i d but t r i v i a l solution i s :
109
utg = oit^
(16.36)
From the physical problem statement and equation 16.17 we can conclude
that
0 < lot^ < J
(16.37)
utg > ^
(16.38)
and
Solutions of 16.31 f o r given values of ut^ are l i s t e d - i n table 16.2.

Once the values of ojtg are known the terms i n brackets i n equat i o n 16.35 can be evaluated so that equation 16.35 bêco'mes:
F (1 + p s )
x|t=t "
2
^(^'^l)
2
mg u
(16.39)
Values of f(o>t-^) are included i n table 16.^2 and are plotted, in f i g u r e

16.9
Table 16.2
%
(rid)
f()t.)
(-)^
0.2
4.7822
3.6014
0.3
4.4407
2.6812
0.4
4.1451
1.9513
0.5
3.8771
1.3802
(rad)
0.5236
3.8168
1.2658
0.6
3.6276
0.9427
0.7
3.3913
0.6167
0.7854
3.1974
0.4115
0.8
3.1648
0.3823
0.9
2.9458
0.2212
1.00
2.7324
0.1169
1.0472
2.6332
0.0830
1.1
2.5233
0.0545 '
1.2
2.3176
0.0211
1.3
2.1144
6.0202
x 10
1.4
1.9129
9.5548
x 10
1.5
1.7124
2.8252
x 10
1.5708
1.5708
0.0000
110
Ill
How does equation 16.39 behave i n practice? For a clapotis f o r c e ,

F^^ is r e l a t i v e l y low, and M i s also low. Displacements can be i n the
order of meters - both p o s i t i v e and negative. T h e o r e t i c a l l y , equation
16.39 w i l l y i e l d equal p o s i t i v e and negative values so that our breakwater simply dances around i t s o r i g i n a l p o s i t i o n . This i s , of course,
s u f f i c i e n t to be considered a f a i l u r e , but in practice a permanent
displacement w i l l
r e s u l t . This is caused by asymmetry i n F^^.
Since the clapotis forces are low, i t is not d i f f i c u l t to dimension a

foundation to r e s i s t them.
Wave impact forces are very large and viork only i n the positive
d i r e c t i o n ; t h e i r frequency is very high. The r e s u l t i n g horizontal d i s placements are of the order of millimeters and are not too serious
when compared to the other dynamic forces having periods o f , say,
one second - see chapter 15.5.
This l a s t type of dynamic forces can cause s i g n i f i c a n t problems. Displacements i n the order of decimeters can be expected.
Perhaps because these types o f forces are not adequately explained
and are not yet described t h e o r e t i c a l l y , designers have not considered them i n the past. This could be a strong constribution to the
seemingly high percentage of f a i l u r e s with monolithic breakwaters.
16_.6. Example of Sliding
The f o l l o w i n g type of problem is one of many that can be attacked using methods described i n the previous section.
A caisson 16 m high i s to be used to form the i n i t i a l
closure
of an estuary. The water depth i s 12 m. For a design s i g n i f i c a n t wave

of 5.2 m determine the necessary width of the caisson i n order to
prevent s l i d i n g of more than 0.2 m as a result of a single dynamic
load cycle having a period of 1 second. The angle of internal f r i c t i o n o f the sea bottom is taken as y = tan 41= 0.5.
The c o e f f i c i e n t E can be found from a foundation model f o r a
s p e c i f i c case, but must now be estimated. One plausible idea is to
assume that the dynamic wave pressure on the base of the monolith
decreases l i n e a r l y across the width, b, with a maximum at the f r o n t
lower corner equal to '^w .
TT
Thus, e becomes a function of b, namely:
b _ b
e = 7F" ~
(16.40)
when t h i s above assumption is s a t i s f i e d .

The mass density o f the e n t i r e caisson is assumed to be 1800
kg/m"^. The amplitude o f the applied f o r c e , found from model t e s t s ,
is 1.25 X 10^ N/m caisson length.
Work with a unit length of caisson 16 m high with unknown width,
b. The f o l l o w i n g parameters can be evaluated:
m.'B = (16)(b)(1800) = 2.88 x 10^ b kg/m
(16.41)
112
F (1 + us)
1.25 X 1 0 ^ 1 + 0.5 x - ^ ) ( l 2
rUg )''
2.88 X 10^ X b X (271)"^
W = nigg = (2.88 x l o \ b ) ( 9 . 8 1 ) = 2.83 x 10^ b N/m

B = p g b (12) = (1030)(9.81)(12)(b) = 1.21 x 10^ b N/m
W - B
_ (2.83 - 1.21) x 10^ x b
F^^ 1 + us
. . . .
1.25 X lo''
0.5
1 + (0.5)(^)
= 6.48 X lO'^ ( ^ - )
1 + R
(16.43)
(16.44)
im,
(16.45)
(16.46)
Since the parameter evaluated i n equation 16.4'6, used to determine lotp

involves b, a d i r e c t solution is impossible. A t r i a l and e r r o r solution seems
practical i f not elegant.
Thus, l e t us i n i t i a l l y guess that b = 10 m. Then
ut^ = s i n " l 0.536 = 0.566
Using f i g u r e 16.9, y i e l d s f{it^)
(16.47)
= 1.08. This, combined with b = 10 m and
equation 16.39 y i e l d s ;
^ I t = t 2 " ( T ^ ^ ^ ' ^ ^ ^ 10'^)(1.08) = 0.14 m
(16.48)
This is too small, since the allowable movement is 0.20 m; b must be reduced.
Table 16.3 shows the computation. As shown in the t a b l e , a width of 8.8 m
is s u f f i c i e n t .
Another i n t e r e s t i n g question i s "How f a r w i l l t h i s caisson be moved by
an 8 second clapotis caused by an individual wave having a 10% chance of
exceedance i n t h i s design storm?"
The actual oncoming wave height must f i r s t be found from the Rayleigh
d i s t r i b u t i o n - see volume I chapter 10. Using table 10.1 from that book y i e l d s ,
f o r 10% exceedance:
Tri = 1.07
sig
(16.49)
H = (1.07)(5.2) = 5.56 m
(16.50)
Thus,
I t s wave length i n water 12 m deep follows using i t s deep water wave

length
of:
^ 0 = 1-56
= 100 m
(ig_5j^
113
Table 16.3
S l i d i n g computation
lOt^
f(u,ti)
(m)
{-)
{-)
^|t=tp
(m)
10.
0.566
1.08
0.14
0.407
1.90
0.342
0.513
1.30
0.189
8.9
0.508
1.33
0.195
8.8
0.503
1.35
0.200
Using table 6.2 i n volume I y i e l d s :

A = 76 m, thus,
kh = | h =
(16.52)
= 0.99
The dynamic clapotis force follows from an i n t e g r a t i o n of the second term

of equation 15.01 from z = -12 to z = 0. (The t r i a n g u l a r extra pressure
w i l l be added l a t e r - see f i g u r e 15.1).
0
F
P 9. 1^,
COSTTW
wl
cosh k(z + h) dz
(16.53)
-12
0
= P g H
K
sinh k(z + h)
cosh kli"'
(16.54)
12
(1030)(9.81)(5.56)(76) sinh (0.99

27r
- " - cosh" "0.99'
(16.55)
5.16
(16.56)
10-" N/m
The pressure above the s t i l l water level drops o f f l i n e a r l y , we w i l l

assume, over the height of the caisson since the standing wave s p i l l s over
the top. This adds a force o f :
Fw2 = 7
(16.57)
9 H ^c
= (|-)(1030)(9.81)(5.56)(4) = 1.12 x 10^ N/m
(16.58)
y i e l d i n g a t o t a l F^^ of 6.28 x 10 N/m.

Other parameters remain the same.
Using 16.26:
sin lot =
[(16)(8.8)(1800) - (12)(8.8)(1030)] 9.81

6.28
10^
0.5
1 +
( 0 . 5 ) ( | ^ ) J
= 1.04
Since t h i s is greater than 1.00 no motion can be i n i t i a t e d ; the
is stable.
(16.59)
structure
114
16.7. Breakwater Rotation

In addition to a possible sliding f a i l u r e . I t Is conceivable that a
breakwater section may be overturned by a rotation about a corner of Its
base. As Is shown In figure 16.10, an equilibrium of moments Is considered
at the Instant that rotation about point 0 Is Incipient. The soil supporting
force Is assumed to act at 0 (a very idealized assumption) and the dynamic
vertical wave pressure force, N', is assumed to have a triangular d i s t r i bution over the base. Equilibrium of moments about point 0, yields:
F i g u r e 16.10
FORCES
(Fw?)
I M P O R T A N T TO ROTATION
f^) + ( B | )
= W|
(16.60)
where i t has been assumed that the wave force, F^^, acts at an elevation
2 above the bottom. By assuming that the horizontal and vertical dynamic
wave pressures are the same at the lower exposed corner of the breakwater,
N' can be evaluated in terms of F^^, b, and h:
N' = ^
(16.61)
also:
p g b h
(16.62)
and
W = Pg (h + z^)(b) g
(16.63)
Substitution in 16.60 yields:

F w 7 + F ^ 7 ? + P 9 b h ^ = Pg g b (h + z J b
(i6_64)
115
In most problems, the water depth, h, and the wave f o r c e , F^, are known
Unknowns are band z^, both d i r e c t l y related to the breakwater dimensions.
The simplest handy s o l u t i o n , then, is to solve f o r z^ i n terms of b:
^ TIT "
P)
(16.65)
9'^
A l t e r n a t i v e l y , with a b i t of algebra, bean be determined i n terms of Z Q .

An especially simple quadratic equation results i n :
b=
2
PB
(16.66)
\
p) gh
Obviously the positive root of (16,66) w i l l be the one of i n t e r e s t . Depending upon the problem, e i t h e r o f equations 16,65 or 16.66 may be u s e f u l .
16,8. Example o f Rotation
Let us check the breakwater used i n the sample calculation of section
16,6 against r o t a t i o n . In other words, f i n d the minimum width required to
prevent the breakwater from t i p p i n g over. Putting values from that section
in equation 16,65 y i e l d s :
(1.25
b=
10 )(12)
(16
(1800)(9,81)(4) - ^^(3y(i2')^ ^ + (^ÔO - 1030)(9,81)(12)

1,50
7,06
10^ - 6.94
10'
(16.68)
10^ + 9.06 x 10^
= (163)2 = 12.8 m
(16.69)
This is wider than was required to prevent s l i d i n g .
Within rather narrow practical l i m i t s , the density of the breakwater,

pg, may also be varied.
116
17.
INFLUENCE OF BREAKWATER ON WAVES
E.W. B i j k e r
17.1. Introduction
In the previous two chapters the e f f e c t s of waves on monolithic
breakwaters and t h e i r foundations have been discussed i n d e t a i l . Here,
we shall examine the influence which the breakwater has on the nearby
wave patterns and bottom morphology. In p r i n c i p l e each phenomenon d i s cussed i n the following sections occurs f o r both monolithic and rubble
mound breakwaters. Usually, since the phenomena depend upon wave r e f l e c t i o n they are most pronounced near v e r t i c a l monolithic breakwaters.
17.2. Standing Waves
One may remember from short wave theory that the resultant o f an
incident and d i r e c t l y r e f l e c t e d t r a v e l l i n g wave is a standing wave. Since
the r e f l e c t i o n i s greatest from v e r t i c a l smooth monolithic breakwaters,
standing wave problems are most often found near these structures. What
are the standing wave problems?
Since the wave height o f the standing wave is twice as much as that
of the incident wave, these waves can make f o r p r e t t y choppy going f o r
smaller ships approaching a harbor entrance or navigating w i t h i n the
harbor near a r e f l e c t i n g breakwater exposed to sea waves. For t h i s reason,
i t is often rewarding to avoid the construction o f v e r t i c a l r e f l e c t i n g
walls (breakwaters or quays) where sea waves penetrate i n t o the harbor.
- Standing cross waves can form i n narrow canals and harbor basins
having r e f l e c t i n g surfaces on both sides. The e f f e c t can be appreciable
when the width and depth of the basin enhances a reasonance - see volume
I chapter 19.
When longer v/aves such as swell and t i d a l components are involved,
both rubble mound and monolithic structures are e f f e c t i v e r e f l e c t o r s . The
resulting seiches can cause problems f o r both cargo handling and ship
moorings. These topics are discussed more f u l l y i n volume I I .
17.3. Local Morphological Changes
In areas where short standing waves are found (near v e r t i c a l breakwaters) the water motions are e s s e n t i a l l y d i f f e r e n t from those under a
t r a v e l l i n g wave. Therefore, morphological changes i n an erodable bottom
can be expected. Figure 17.1 shows the mass transport under a standing
wave as well as the expected bottom changes. These results were obtained
in a model study carried out by de Best (1971) and Wichers (1972), and
are also reported i n de Best, B i j k e r , Wichers (1971).
As is shown i n f i g u r e 17.1a, coarse material moves as bedload; the
resultant of forces on the grains tends to move them toward the nodes
r e s u l t i n g i n deposition there. Since there i s l i t t l e water motion near
the antinodes, the bottom remains stable there. Erosion i s most severe
midway between the nodes and antinodes.
A d i f f e r e n t pattern develops with f i n e sand which i s transported
largely i n suspension. Erosion takes place at the nodes where bottom
v e l o c i t i e s are high and material is deposited near the antinodes where
117
the bottom water is r e l a t i v e l y quiet and the mass transports converge.

What bottom protection is required? In order to protect the toe of
the breakwater regardless of the s o i l grain size, the revetment should
extend at least 3/8 of a wave length before the breakwater. When one
is certain that a l l of the bottom material is r e l a t i v e l y coarse, t h i s
revetment may be a b i t shorter. This can be dangerous, however, since
the more severe waves can s t i l l
cause suspended transport of even coarse
material giving a bed form as shown i n f i g u r e 17.1 b f o r f i n e sand.

Aspects of the construction of monolithic breakwaters w i l l be d i s cussed in the following chapter.
WAVE LENGTH X
ANTINODE
NODE
/ / / = 1 ' / A = y 7 7
/ / ^ / / = ^ / 7
.STANDING WAVE AND MASS TRANSPORT
DEVELOPED PROFILE
b. BOTTOM PROFILE FOR COARSE SAND
DEVELOPED PROFILE
c. BOTTOM PROFILE FOR FINE SAND
Figure 17.1
STANDING
WAVE AND RESULTING
BOTTOM CHANGES
/ / J l = f / / ^
118
18.1
CONSTRUCTION OF MONOLITHIC BREAKHATERS
18.1.
Iiitroduction
Just as with rubble mound breakwaters, the method of construc-
t i o n can influence the design of a monolithic breakwater. The cons t r u c t i o n methods described i n the f o l l o w i n g sections w i l l apply to
the construction of only the massive monolithic part of the s t r u c t u r e .
Construction methods f o r bottom preparation - laying f i l t e r s - are
essentially the same as f o r rubble mound breakwaters; one is referred
to chapter 10. The only exception to t h i s remark would be the use o f a
separate p i l e foundation f o r a monolithic top construction. This is no
longer common p r a c t i c e , however, and w i l l not be discussed here except
i n c i d e n t a l l y i n section 18.4.
18.2 Construction Over Crest
One o f the principal methods o f placing the large elements o f a
monolithic breakwater is to set them i n place using a special
crane
mounted on the crest of the already completed breakwater. Advantages

of t h i s method are that the e n t i r e construction a c t i v i t y is'concentrated
on one s i t e near the breakwater and t h i s method i s the most independent
of the sea conditions; elements can be placed - perhaps not so e a s i l y even i n rather bad weather. Also, the use of a r i g i d l y mounted crane
increases the placement precision of the work; the elements can be joined
neatly without too much d i f f i c u l t y .
Among the disadvantages of the method are that construction progresses rather slowly and large monolithic units must be moved overland. A l so, large and specialized construction equipment is needed.
The construction elements have many forms, but usually have a mass
of a few hundred tons. Concrete i s the almost universal b u i l d i n g m a t e r i a l .
Early breakwaters were b u i l t up of massive blocks p i l e d upon each other
such as was done at A l g i e r s , Morocco i n 1927. As i s shown i n f i g u r e 1 8 . 1 ,
the elements were locked together by t h e i r shape and by a concrete key
cast a f t e r placement. The superstructure was also cast i n place.
In more recent times i t has been more common to place elements
which extend over the f u l l height of the structure i n one u n i t . This
has been done, f o r example, at Hanstholm, Denmark. Figure 18.2 shows
the elements and crane used f o r a secondary breakwater there while
figure 18.3 shows a similar plan f o r the outer breakwater. Here, the
elements were more c i r c u l a r i n plan i n order to reduce wave forces.
Figure 18.4 shows a plan of the construction yard. The p r o j e c t is
more completely described by Elbro (1954). In contrast to the e a r l i e r
described elements, these construction elements were hollow concrete
boxes which were allowed to f i l l with water during placement and were
l a t e r f i l l e d with sand. This makes i t possible to place a larger u n i t
with a crane of l i m i t e d capacity.
* I t i s i n t e r e s t i n g to note that t h i s breakwater f a i l e d ; considerable
e f f o r t was invested investigating the f a i l u r e since the design has
been "perfect".
119
Since the keying j o i n t s of these units s l i d e along each other during placement, special precautions must be taken to prevent damage
to the keys. The usual method is to face the contact surfaces with
hardwood - greenhart i s e x c e l l e n t . This is shown i n cross-section c-c
of f i g u r e 18.2.
120
CONSTRUCTION C O N S I S T I N G
OF C Y L I N D R I C A L C A I S S O N S
121
18.3. Use of Floating Caissons

In order to avoid the problems of overland movement o f heavy cons t r u c t i o n elements and shorten the working time at the construction
s i t e , large caissons or even old ships* are sometimes f l o a t e d into
position and sunk. This technique was used to construct the^^beachheads on the French coast i n World War I I . A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h i s method o f
construction i s well suited to deep water f o r which elements placed over
the crest would become too heavy. Structures to be moved over water are
more o f t e n l i m i t e d by available water depth rather than t o t a l mass consider the heavy structures f o r the offshore o i l Industry - see volume I chapter 32.
A separate construction s i t e i s now needed to f a b r i c a t e the caissons but l i t t l e major specialized equipment i s needed. The accurate placement of the caissons can present a problem. For temporary structures or
those which w i l l soon be concealed - the closure of an estuary or the
In the north polar sea icebergs are sometimes towed near shore and
sunk by adding ice on top of them in order to form a breakwater.
122
core o f a composite breakwater, f o r example - precise alignment i s not

so important. For permanently exposed structures careful aligment is
needed i n order to assure that the key constructions transmit loads
e f f e c t i v e l y between the adjacent caissons. Location o f the caissons
using only tug boats i s usually i n s u f f i c i e n t f o r permanently exposed
structures. They are c e r t a i n l y adequate f o r the placement of other caissons such as that forming the i n i t i a l closure o f the Brouwershavense Gat
in The Netherlands.When placement accuracy is more c r i t i c a l an a u x i l iary temporary caisson can provide the necessary additional guidance see chapter 20.
18.4. Construction i n Place

Occasionally, usually when s o i l conditions are too poor to support
a concentrated surface load, cells are made from driven sheet p i l e . These
interconnected cells are then f i l l e d and capped to complete the breakwater. Generally, the d r i v i n g accuracy required makes i t advantageous
to drive the sheet piles using a d r i v i n g r i g situated on the crest of
the completed portion of the breakwater. Care must be taken that the uncompleted c e l l s are not severly damaged i n a storm; completed c e l l s derive
much of t h e i r strength and s t a b i l i t y from the pressure of the internal
f i l l material.
Information presented i n t h i s and the previous f i v e chapters w i l l
be combined i n an optimum design i n chapter 19.
123
19.
OPTIMUM DESIGN
W.W. Massie
A. Paape
19.1.
Introduction
The objective of t h i s chapter i s to use the information presented
in the previous six chapters i n order to make an economically optimum

design of a v e r t i c a l monolithic breakwater. In order to make a comparison with rubble mound breakwaters possible, an attempt w i l l be made
to design a monolithic breakwater f o r the same problem treated i n chapt e r 11.
The general discussion included i n sections 1 and 2 o f that chapt e r is also v a l i d f o r a monolithic breakwater; i t w i l l not be repeated
here. However, important additional information w i l l be presented i n
the following sections.
19.2.
Design Data
While a l l of the data presented i n chapter 11 remains v a l i d f o r
the problem at hand, the data presented there must be supplemented f o r

the present problem. The additional information w i l l be presented here;
f o r completeness other strongly related data w i l l be repeated from chapt e r 11.
Storm conditions
In addition to the data presented i n table 1 1 . 1 , data on the number
of waves i n the individual storms w i l l also be needed. Table 19.1 repeats table 11.1 and adds t h i s additional necessary data.
Data on the frequency of occurrence of short period dynamic loads
is presented i n f i g u r e 1 9 . 1 . This curve represents the results o f model
and prototype tests carried out with various wa.ve and water level conditions .
TABLE 19.1
Recurrence
Storm Data
sig^
Interval
Period
No. o f Waves
h'
(-)
(m)
(yrs)
(m)
0.1
4.5
7.4
3000
0.5
5.5
2500
1.0
6.0
10
2000
(s)
7.0
11
1000
20
8.0
12
1000
100
9.0
13
800
Water level
3.2
4.6
Cost of materials
The cost data provided i n table 11.2 must be augmented. Further,
since the monolith w i l l be fabricated from concrete elements, costs
of armor stone are no longer relevant. Table 19.2 gives the r e l a t i v e
cost figures necessary f o r t h i s design.
A l l other data remains as presented i n chapter 11 section 3.
124
125
TABLE 19.2 Costs of Materials i n Place

Material
Unit
Use
Sand
caisson
fill
Gravel
f i l t e r layer
Caissons
Concrete
(p = 2400
kg/\)
Placement Method
barge
Over
dumped
Crest
6*
10
40
50
350
400
Large Elements
150
cap Const.
19.3. Preliminary Computations
Since the face o f t h i s breakwater i s to be v e r t i c a l , we can expect a standing wave to form before i t . Also, since the breaking c r i t e r i a f o r standing waves d i f f e r from those f o r t r a v e l l i n g waves, the
vrave breaking computations of section 11.4 must be revised.
From Wiegel (1964), the appropriate breaking c r i t e r i u m f o r standing waves i s :
= 0.109 X tanh kh
(19.01)
where:
H is the maximum progressive wave component,
k
i s the wave number = 2T\/x,
is the water depth, and
X i s the wave length.

I t should be noted t h a t the height of the standing wave at the breakwater w i l l be twice the value of
provided that the wall i s at least
as high (there is no overtopping).

The necessary computations and extrapolations are carried out i n
table 19.3 which p a r a l l e l s the work presented i n table 11.3. In table
19.3 values o f X are computed from the water depth and the values of
h/X taken from the Shore Proteotion
Manual tables. Values of
follow
from equation 19.01. We see that the standing wave breaking criterium
is never a governing f a c t o r f o r the s i g n i f i c a n t wave, since the higher
of these break from shoaling long before reaching the breakwater. As
can be seen by comparison of the two tables mentioned, the results f o r
'^sig
i d e n t i c a l . Figure 11.2 can s t i l l be used.

The wave computations are not yet completed, however. The clapotis
f o r c e , one o f the design loads, results from a single wave i n a storm

and can not be r e l a t e d , therefore, to only a s i g n i f i c a n t wave height.
The frequency of exceedance of various individual design wave heights
is needed now. This computation is the same as that shown i n chapter
price f o r sand from hydraulic dredge p i p e l i n e .
price f o r completed f l o a t i n g caisson sunk i n p o s i t i o n .
TABLE 19.3
Wave Computations
Recurrence
h'
^0
Interval
Wave
Total
length
depth
h
^0
h/x^
h/x
^sig
Note
P(Hsig)
Waves
N
11
(yrs)
(m)
(sec)
(m)
(m)
(m)
0.1
4.5
7.4
2.8
85.
0.5
5.5
3.0
No. of
, storms^
year '
(-)
(-)
(-)
(m)
(m)
12.8
0,.1506
0.,1838
70.
6.2
0,9133
4.1
(1)
10
3000
126.
13.0
0 .1028
0..1434
91.
7.0
0.9308
5.1
(1)
2500
(m)
6.0
10
3.2
156.
13.2
0 .0845
0..1273 104.
7.5
0.9487
5.7
2000
7.0
11
3.7
189.
13.7
0 .0725
0..1163 l i s
8.0
0.9667
6.7
(1)
(2)
0.2
1000
10
7.5
11.5
3.9
207.
13.9
0 .0673
0,.1114 125.
8.2
0.9766
6.8
(2)
0.1
1000
20
8.0
12
4.2
225.
14.2
0 .0631
0,.1074 132.
8.5
0.9858
7.0
(2)
0.05
1000
50
8.5
12.5
4.4
244.
14.4
0 .0590
0,.1033 139.
8.7
0.9958
7.1
(2)
0.02
900
100
9.0
13
4.6
264.
14.6
0 .0553
0,.0996 147.
8.9
1.006
7.2
(2)
0.01
800
500
10.0
14
5.1
306.
15.1
0 .0493
0..0934 162.
9.3
1.025
7.4
(2)
0.002
600
1000
10.5
15
5.3
351.
15.3
0 .0436
0..0873 175.
9.5
1.048
7.5
(2)
0.001
500
5000
11.5
16
5.8
399.
15.8
0 .0396
0,.0827 191.
9.9
1.066
7.7
(2)
0.0002
500
Notes:
(1)
S i g n i f i c a n t wave not broken, larger waves break at breakwater
(2)
S i g n i f i c a n t wave broken by shoaling before reaching breakwater; larger

waves break at breakwater.
127
11 of volume I except that the annual p r o b a b i l i t y of exceedance of our

design wave w i l l be l-Eg using the notation of that chapter. This corresponds to equation 11.16 i n volume I wi1:h a l i f e , i , of one year.
A c a l c u l a t i o n such as described i n that chapter must be repeated
f o r each of a whole series of chosen design wave heights. A sample of
such a calculation f o r
= 8.0 m i s shown i n table 19.4. The breaking
c r i t e r i a influence the computation, however.
TABLE 19.4
S t a t i s t i c a l Calculation f o r
= 8.0 m
Char.
H
exceedance P(H,. ) H
N
HxVHsig
sig
s i g ' sig
, .
,storm. /Storm, - , ,waves, / x
/ N
P(%)
/ \
^2i
^1
(-)
10
4.1
4.5
3000
6.8
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.
5.4
2000
7.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.8
6.1
1500
7.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.15
6.8
1000
8.2
1.18
6.28x10'^
1.00
1.50x10. - 1
0.04
7.1
900
8.7
1.13
7.89x10'
1.00
4.00x10
0.008
7.3
700
9.1
1.10
9.05xlO"^
1.00
8.00x10
0.0018
7.5
500
9.5
1.07
LOSxlO'^
1.00
1.80xl0"^
5.1
5.7
6.7
0.2
7.0
0.05
7.2
0.01
7.4
-3
0.002
7.7
0.0002
P(H > Hg) = 1.92
10
-1
In column 6 of table 19.4 values of H, the maximum possible i n A

dividual wave height, corresponding to H^^jg i n column 4 are l i s t e d .
These H^ values are interpolated from values i n table 19.3. Obviously,
A
since H^ is the maximum wave that w i l l not break, the chance of

occurring i n a storm i n which H^ < H^ must be zero, irrespective of
the Rayleigh d i s t r i b u t i o n . ( I t is q u i e t l y assumed that up u n t i l
brea-
king of individual waves occurs, the Rayleigh d i s t r i b u t i o n can s t i l l

be used. This assumption i s reasonably supported i n the l i t e r a t u r e Battjes (1974)).Thus, we can conclude that P { H ^ ) = 0 f o r Hj > H^; t h i s
is shown i n column 8. The non-zero values i n t h a t column follow from
the Rayleigh d i s t r i b u t i o n :
P(Hjj) = 0 when Hp > H^ (table 19.3) corresponding to the other cond i t i o n s i n the row.
128
P(Hj) =e
- 2(|r^)2
îg
(19.02)
H ,
Since the ratios - p j are never extremely large, the chance that
oc-
curs i n a storm co^Ji'sting of N wave characterized by H^^jg:

N
= 1 - [ 1 - P(Hj)]
(19.03)
is one. Occurrence of the wave at least once i n the storm is guaranteed,

and the chance that both the wave and the storm occur i s the same as the
chance of the storm alone. Indeed, values of E^^j i n table 19.4 are ident i c a l l y equal to values of P(H5.g). This also results i n the f a c t that
4
P(H > Hj) = 1 -
[ , n ^ ( l - E2i)]
(l^-""^)
= 0.192
f o r the data i n table 19.4. This value is the same as ( w i t h i n reas-onable computational accuracy) the chance of exceedance o f the lowest Hg.g i n which
>^ H^^. That chance is 0.2 in t h i s example cor-
responding to Hg^jg = 6.7 m.

The conclusion of t h i s is that for
this
problem
with
breaking
waves,
computations such as j u s t outlined are unnecessary and in
speoial
ease the frequency of exceedance of a given design wave
this
is the same as the frequency of exceedance of H^^jg corresponding to

=
i n table 19.3. Figure 19.2 can then be obtained by p l o t t i n g
H versus P(H .) from table 19.3.

Sly
19.4.
Optimization Variables and Philosophy

The breakwater elements to be placed must be dimensioned to
withstand loads which can lead to various types of f a i l u r e s ; see

section 16.1. Both the applied loads and the a b i l i t y to r e s i s t these
loads are related to the dimensions (crest elevation and width) of the
s t r u c t u r e . This i n t e r r e l a t i o n s h i p of structure dimensions and applied
loads as well as the d i v e r s i t y of applied loads makes an optimization
computation somewhat more complex than f o r a rubble mound s t r u c t u r e .
While the construction costs remain easy to determine, annual damage
costs w i l l be more d i f f i c u l t .
In contrast to the damage to rubble mound breakwaters, damage to
a monolithic structure can r e s u l t from several somewhat independent
sources: c l a p o t i s , impact f o r c e s , or short period dynamic forces.
The e f f e c t s of impact f o r c e s , the formation of quicksand, are
e s s e n t i a l l y impossible to p r e d i c t . Therefore, i n order to assure that
problems w i l l not occur a reasonably thick porous f i l t e r layer w i l l
be placed on the sand bottom to support the monolithic elements.
Possible subterranean f a i l u r e is not being considered - see

chapter 16.
F i g u r e 19.2
D E S I G N W A V E H E I G H T A S FUNCTION
OF A N N U A L F R E Q U E N C Y
OF
EXCEEDANCE
11
n
11.U
i1 nun. u
H>ir~
Q
y. u
O n
8.0
7 0
f,
D. U
10"^
2x10 ^
5x10"^
10 ^
2x10 ^
5x10"^
10 ^
2x10"^
5x10"^
P(H>Hd)
1.0
130
A thickness i n the order of 1.5 m should be s u f f i c i e n t . This e l i m i nates one source of possible damage.
Since the short period dynamic forces can cause e i t h e r a s l i d i n g
or t i p p i n g f a i l u r e of the breakwater, these forces must be used i n
both c r i t e r i a . For a given design, however, f a i l u r e w i l l occur e i t h e r
by s l i d i n g or t i p p i n g and not, i n general, by both forms simultaneousl y . The condition ( s l i d i n g or tipping) which happens to be important
i n a given design w i l l be that which occurs with the lower applied
f o r c e , F^^.
Failure w i l l be considered to have occurred when any o f the f o l l o wing occur:
a.
Tipping is i n i t i a t e d by a short period dynamic f o r c e ,
b.
A displacement of more than a small amount - say 0.1 m - results

from the same force as in a.
c.
Any displacement occurs caused by a c l a p o t i s .

Since f a i l u r e s a and b are caused by the same f o r c e , they are mutal-
l y exclusive; occurrence of either one w i l l prevent the other. On the

other hand, the clapotis force - c, above - i s independent o f a or b.
This w i l l have consequences f o r the s t a t i s t i c s i n section 19.7.
What optimization parameters are available? Since not a l l f a i l u r e
conditions can be related to a single characterizing wave - as was done
f o r a rubble mound breakwater - another parameter must be chosen. The
simplest parameter, then, i s related to the weight of the breakwater s i n ce t h i s plays an important role in i t s s t a b i l i t y . Unfortunately, weight,
i t s e l f , i s not s u f f i c i e n t , since the s t a b i l i t y of the design depends a l so upon i t s geometry. Indeed, two parameters must now be optimized: the
height and width of the proposed design; w i t h i n c e r t a i n l i m i t s , these
two parameters can be varied independently.
Obviously, the minimum height of the breakwater is determined by
other considerations such as v i s i b i l i t y to mariners or overtopping.
However, since the weight of the breakwater increases with increasing
height, i t can be economical to construct the breakwater with a crest
somewhat higher than would otherwise be needed.
Further, a very high narrow breakwater would be uneconomical j u s t
as would be a very wide low one. However, except f o r these l i m i t a t i o n s ,
the width, b, and crest elevation, z^, of the breakwater are completely
independent variables. The optimization must be carried out using both
variables; t h i s can most easily be done by f i x i n g one value - the
height - and then varying the other - the width. This process w i l l be
repeated using various heights.
19.5.
Minimum Crest Elevation
The overtopping c r i t e r i u m u s e d i n chapter 11 w i l l be used here i n a

somewhat adapted way. In f a c t the largest
waves of the i r r e g u l a r
wave f i e l d , as used i n the calculations o f chapter 11, produce s l i ght
overtopping. The maximum wave height c r i t e r i u m of standing waves
as applied i n section 19.3 gives formally an absolute maximum of the
131
wave height irrespective of the i r r e g u l a r wave f i e l d . In the case of

a v e r t i c a l breakwater i t seems logical to take a less stringent overtopping c r i t e r i u m as i n the case of a rubble mound one. In chapter 11
overtopping was allowed to occur no more than 5 times per year; in our
case we can allow 10 times per year. Thus our breakwater must now be
at least high enough to r e f l e c t the heighest wave to be expected with
that frequency. Using table 19.3 d i r e c t l y y i e l d s a design approaching
wave height o f 6.2 m with a water level 2.8 m above MSL. Since the
r e f l e c t e d standing wave w i l l be twice as high as the approaching wave,
the breakwater crest must be 6.2 m higher than the s t i l l water l e v e l ;
the minimum crest elevation is thus 6.2 + 2.8 = 9.0 m above a MSL datum. This is somewhat higher than was needed f o r the rubble mound
breakwater.
19.6. Construction Costs

I n i t i a l l y , l e t us assume that the breakwater is to be b u i l t from
concrete elements placed from a crane mounted on the crest of the
completed breakwater. A proposed design of an element is shown i n
f i g u r e 19.3. An element with an overall length of 6.0 m has been
chosen r e s u l t i n g i n an e f f e c t i v e length of 5.5 m a f t e r mating with
adjoining elements.
Figure 19.3
ELEMENT DETAILS
LT
^concrete 0.5 m thick
SECTION A-A
b
concrete cap 1 nn thick
bottonn 1 m thick
132
The t o t a l height, h*, and the width, b, have been l e f t as variables;

the construction costs w i l l be expressed i n terms of these variables.
A wall thickness of 0.5 m has been chosen f o r the element. Such
a choice must, o f course, be based upon a detailed s t r u c t u r a l concrete
design; such details are beyond the scope of these notes.
The bottom has been chosen to be 1.0 m thick and a 1.0 m thick
cap covers the structure a f t e r placement and f i l l i n g . With t h i s background, the cost of an element can be determined - see table 19.5 f o r
material quantities f o r a single breakwater element. In addition to
the quantities l i s t e d there, the f i l t e r layer and bottom protection
must be dimensioned. A layer 20 m wide and 1.5 m t h i c k under the e l e ments w i l l be chosen irrespective of the actual breakwater width, b.
Further, a bottom protection 1.0 m thick w i l l be extended 70 meters
out
i n f r o n t of the breakwater. This represents about 3/8 of the wave
length of the longest wave to be expected - see chapter 17 and table

19.3.
Such an apparent overdesign is j u s t i f i e d by the low unit cost o f
t h e f i l t e r a s compared to the t o t a l s t r u c t u r e . For a 5.5 m e f f e c t i v e

length of breakwater,
5.5(1.5 X 20 + 1.0 x 70) = 550 m'^
of gravel costing 40/m
(19.05)
wil'1 be needed. Thus the cost per meter o f
breakwater length w i l l be:
155011401 = 4000/m
(19.06)
Other costs, i n terms of the dimensions h* and b, can be determined

from data i n table 19.5. Reducing everything to a unit length of 1.0
m yields:
Cast Concrete: ^
x (5h* + bh* + 4b - 4)
(19.07)
= 363.64 h* + 72.73 bh* + 290.91b - 290.91

(19.08)
Cap Concrete:
Sand f i l l :
(4b - 4)
(19.09)
= 109.09b - 109.09
(19.10)
(19.11)
(-4h* + 4bh* - 8b + 8)
= -4.36h* + 4.36bh* - 8.73b + 8.73
(19.12)
Adding a l l of these costs (19.06, 19.08, 19.10, 19.12) y i e l d s :

C = 359.28h* + 81.09bh* + 391.27b + 3608.73
(19.13)
133
TABLE 19.5
Element Quantities
Item
dimensions
(-)
(m)
number
volume
(-)
(m^)
3
3
Concrete: p = 2400 kg/m ; costing 400/m
Ribs
0-5 X 0.5 X h*
h*
Side Walls
0.5 x 4 x h*
4h*
End Walls
0.5 x h* x b
h*b
Bottom
4 X (b-l) X 1
4b;:4
5h* + bh* + 4b - 4
Concrete: p = 2400 kg/m^;

Cap
(b-l)
costing 150/m'
1
4b-4
3
3
Sand F i l l , wet: p = 2400 kg/m ; costing 6/m
(h*-2)(b-l)4
-4h* + 4bh* - 8b +
Equation 19.13 gives the relationship betv/een the breakwater dimen

sions, h
and b, and the construction cost. Thus, with h
= 17.5 and
b = 9 m, f o r example, the cost i s :

(359.28)(17.5) + (81.09)(9)(17.5) + (391.27)(9) + 3608.73
= 26189.24/m
(19.14)
of which only 4000 is associated with the f i l t e r .

19.7.
Determination o f Damage
Since two optimization variables are involved, they w i l l be varied
independently with one, the crest elevation being held constant while
the width i s varied. This process w i l l be repeated with various ( f i x e d )
crest elevations. The steps below are numbered f o r easier reference.
The order shown i s not the only one possible; other sequences of the
f i r s t steps, especially, are conceivable.
1.
Choose a crest elevation. I n i t i a l l y , we shall work with the lowest
crest which s a t i s f i e s the overtopping condition - 6.2 m above SWL and

9 m above MSL - see section 19.5. Since the breakwater i s located on
a f i l t e r 1.5 m thick placed i n 10 m waterdepth, the t o t a l height, h*,
of the monolith w i l l
be:
h* = 9 + 10 - 1.5 = 17.5 m
This establishes the f i r s t of our optimization variables.
(19.15)
134
2. Choose a design wave f o r a clapotis c a l c u l a t i o n . Using Table 19.3

we choose, i n i t i a l l y , the maximum wave occurring in a storm with recurrance i n t e r v a l o f 50 years. This y i e l d s
= 8.7 m with a
SWL 4.4 m above MSL. This wave has a period of 12.5 sec. and a length,
X, of 139 m. Other values w i l l be chosen l a t e r when a new condition
is needed.
3. Compute the clapotis f o r c e . The clapotis force is computed using
the methods described i n section 15.2. The i n t e g r a t i o n of the dynamic part of equation 15.01 extends from the SWL (MSL + 4.4 m) to the
bottom o f the monolith (MSL - 8.5 m). Thus:
0
wl
cosh k(z + h) dz
cosh kh
(19.16)
-h.
where:
H is the approaching wave height,
h is the water depth to SWL.
h^ is the depth above the structure toe,
k is the wave number =
2T7/A,
z is the v e r t i c a l coordinate,
P is the mass density of water, and
A is the wave length.
0
''wi = F c o f h kh
(19.17)
^^"h k(z + h)
z = -h.
Since the structure is placed on a narrow, very porous f i l t e r , the

water depth w i l l be considered to extend to the sand bottom, 1.5 m
deeper than the toe o f the s t r u c t u r e : Thus h - h^ = 1.5 m and:
''wl
-MrW
[sinh(kh) - sinh(1.5k)]
(19.18)
[ sinh kh - sinh (1.5 k) 1
(19.19)
t ^ ^ " h kh - sinh (1.5 k ) ]
(19.20)
(2)(Tr)(cosh kh)
'TofAh
"
This is independent of the crest elevation and can, t h e r e f o r e , be

evaluated once f o r each wave condition. This has been done with the
results l i s t e d in table 19.6.
An additional force component results from the wave above the
SWL. When there is overtopping:
'w2 = 2 P9 ^d ^c
where z^ is the crest height above SWL.
and
(19.21)
135
= i
pg
(19.22)
when there is no overtopping (z^ > H). Since t h i s force is dependent

upon the crest e l e v a t i o n , i t must be computed separately f o r each
design case.
TABLE 19.6
Wave Force Computation on lower portion of breakwater.
Rec.Int.
h'
(yrs)
(m)
(m)
(m)
10
8.2
3.9
125.
20
8.5
4.2
132.
5
10
9.586 X 10^
50
8.7
4.4
139.
1.005
Fwl
(N/m;)
8.959 X
X
10^
100
8.9
4.6
147.
1.053
10^
500
9.3
5.1
162.
1.157
10^
1000
9.5
5.3
175.
1.212
10^
5000
9.9
5.8
191.
1.321
10^
Using the data above f o r the problem at hand:

F^^ = ( i ) ( 1 0 3 0 ) ( 9 . 8 1 ) ( 8 . 7 ) ( 4 . 6 )
(19.23)
= 2.022 X 10^ N/m
(19.24)
The t o t a l force i s , now:
^ = ^ 1
4.
+ ^2
(19-25)
= 1.207 X 10^ N/m
(19.26)
Determine the width, b, necessary to withstand t h i s c l a p o t i s . Two
c r i t e r i a must be examined - s l i d i n g and overturning. No movement is

to be allowed in e i t h e r case.
Based upon the discussion in chapter 16, s l i d i n g w i l l not occur
if:
^'^^ (-J^)
> 1.00
(16.26) (19.27)
where:
B is the bouyant force on the breakwater
section,
W is the weight of the section,

]i is the c o e f f i c i e n t of s l i d i n g f r i c t i o n , and
e is a pressure c o e f f i c i e n t .
Substituting from (16.40),(16.44) and using:
W = bh*
PR
(19.28)
136
y i e l d s , when u = 0.5:
(b){h*)pe g - b(h^) pg
(19.29)
> 1
1 + 0.5
or, since
= h
2 h.
- h, :
(19.30)
Tpri
- 2 g h^[pg
Substituting numerical
+"(pg - P) h^]
values f o r the problem at hand y i e l d s :
b
,
1.207 X 10^
(4)(12.9) + b - (2)"(9.81)"(T2".9) [(2400)(4.6) + (2400" - 1030)12.9]
(19.31)
b + 51.6
(19.32)
> 0.166
-
or:
(19.33)
The r o t a t i o n check follows from equation 16.69:
(16.66)(19.34)
b>
2 F.
Again s u b s t i t u t i n g values y i e l d s :
(1 .207 x l O )(12.9)
b>
(2400)(9.81)(4.6) - 1 2 X | 1 ^ 2 0 7 ^ ^ ^ ) ^ ^2400 - 1030)(9.81)(12.9)

(19.35)
1.557
10'
(19.36)
1.083 x 10^ - 6.238 x 10^ + 1.734 x 10^
>_ 8.42 m
Choose b = 10.3 m; t h i s s a t i s f i e s both conditions.
5.
Determine short period dynamic force necessary to cause a given s l i -
ding displacement.
For the problem at hand, a displacement l i m i t of 0.1 m
has been suggested. This is again an inverse problem much l i k e t h a t i n

section 16.6.
Using (16.39) y i e l d s :
K (1 +
f{ti)
(15.39)
(19.37)
Again using (16.40) and assuming that the dynamic force has a period of
one second:
137
PQIJ-)
bh
Thus:
4 / bh*
Pp,
Fw f c ^ i ) = r ^ ^ | t = t ,
1 +
2
(19-39)
Since the r i g h t hand side of (19.39) can be evaluated, t h i s equation i s

of the form:
f(coti) = J
(19.40)
where J i s a constant.
A second r e l a t i o n involving F^^ which must be s a t i s f i e d results from
equation 16.26:
sin(t^) = ^ S ^ i - ^ )
(19.41)
''w
o r , using previously introduced relations such as were used i n (19.29):
F^ s i n ( t ^ ) =
bg(h* Pg - p h j
5
^
2(1 + R ^ )
(19.42)
Again, since the r i g h t hand side o f (19.42) can be evaluated i t i s of

form:
F^^ s i n ( t ^ ) = K
(19,43)
where K i s a constant.
Dividing (19.40) by (19.43) y i e l d s :
(19.44)
sin(t^)
f(cot,)
I f we know the r a t i o ^.!/ -ir-r as a function of toti .then uti can be
sin((i)ti)
i'
- i
evaluated from known parameters. Once ut-^ i s known, then F^ follows
d i r e c t l y from, f o r example, (19.43). The r a t i o ^ ( " ^ ' l )
sin(Mt-j^)
i s independent
df the breakwater properties and can be evaluated from the data i n t a ble 16,2. This has been done; the results are l i s t e d i n table 19,7 and
shown i n f i g u r e 19.4.
For the problem at hand,
f(t^)
4^2 i^h* Pg
2(1+^)
sin(cotiy " ^ b \ ^ t = t , ,
"7
1
(1 + W^'
2 bg(h Pg - h^
which with the known constants y i e l d s :
T
p)
(19.45)
138
139
TABLE 19.7
Additional Breakwater Sliding Parameters

f(a,t^)
wt-|^
sin((i>t^]
(rad)
0.2
18.1276
0.3
9.0728
0.4
5.0108
0.5
2.8789
0.5236
2.5316
0.6
1.6696
0.7
0.9573
0.7854
0.5819
0.8
0.5329
0.9
0.2824
1.00
0.1389
1.0472
0.0958
1.1
0.0612
1.2
0.0226
1.3
6.2479 X 10"3
1.4
9.6959 X 10"*
1.5
2.8323 X 10'5
1.5708
0.0000
Which is a f u n c t i o n o f the water depth and crest elevation. For the

present problem:
^^"^l)
(1931.10)(17.5)
sinf,f ) "
^"^"M^
(2400)(17.5)-(1030)(12.9)
= 1.177
(19.49)
which y i e l d s :
wtj^ = 0.66
(19.50)
F^^ follows from (19.42):

F
(9.81)(b)(2400 h* - 1030 h^)= -

r
(2)(1 + ^ ) s i n ( w t i )
(19.51)
yielding:
F
- (9.81)(10.3)[(2400|(17.5) - (1030)(12.9)]
"
2(1 + - ^ ^ 1 ^ )
= 1.973
10^ N/m
sin(0.66)
(19.53)
140
6.
Determine the value of F^^ necessary to cause t i p p i n g . This value
of F^ can be determined by solving equation 16.67 f o r F^:

g b2(p h* - p h . )
F w = ~ T - ^
(19.54)
Substituting values f o r t h i s problem y i e l d s :

F
7.
- (9.81)(10.3)2 [(2400)(17.5) - (1030)(12.9)]
^^ggg^
= 1.626 X 10^ N/m
(19.56)
Choose the least o f the forces F^ found in steps 5 and 6. This
is done because the lower force has the greatest frequency of exceedance. In t h i s c a l c u l a t i o n , the lower force is 1.626 x 10^ N/m and
is determined by a r o t a t i o n c r i t e r i u m . This means that s l i d i n g w i l l
not be a problem; a short period force w i l l cause f a i l u r e by t i p p i n g
before s l i d i n g becomes c r i t i c a l . Thus, the p r o b a b i l i t y of f a i l u r e by
s l i d i n g is t o t a l l y i r r e l e v a n t .
From f i g u r e 1 9 . 1 , with L
P(F^^) = 1/34
= 1.626 x 10^ N/m:
per year
(19.57)
Thi-s is the p r o b a b i l i t y of f a i l u r e by exceeding the short period dynamic f o r c e .

8.
Determine the overall p r o b a b i l i t y of f a i l u r e . This is done by
adding the p r o b a b i l i t y of f a i l u r e from step 7 to that chosen f o r the

clapotis in step 2. These p r o b a b i l i t i e s are added since the two events
can occur independent o f one another; that i s , there is no r e l a t i o n
between wave height or water depth and the magnitude of the forces depicted in f i g u r e 19.1 - see v . d . Kreeke (1963). For the current problem t h i s overall p r o b a b i l i t y , P ( f ) , i s :
P(f)
9.
= P(F) + P(Hj)
(19.58)
= 1/34 + 1/50 = 4.941 X lO"^
(19.59)
Determine the construction cost. The preliminary work f o r t h i s
step was completed in section 6 of t h i s chapter. The construction

cost follows d i r e c t l y from the dimensions and u n i t prices as r e f l e c ted in equation 19.13. For the current dimensions:
C = (359.28)(17.5) + (81.09)(10.3)(17.5) + (391.27)(10.3) +
3608.73
= 2.854 X 10* N/m
(19.60)
(19.61)
141
10.
Determine the c a p i t a l i z e d damage cost.

Unlike a rubble mound breakwater, a monolithic breakwater does
not s u f f e r p a r t i a l damage - there i s e i t h e r no damage or destruction.

For t h i s reason, the damage cost of the breakwater is related to the
t o t a l construction cost. Also, since a destroyed breakwater must be
cleaned away from the s i t e before a new structure can be constructed,
the damage cost w i l l be greater than the construction cost alone. I t
is therefore assumed t h a t damage costs - i f they occur - w i l l amount
to twice the construction cost of the breakwater. Thus, the annual
damage cost i s :
annual damage cost = ( 2 . ) ( C ) ( P ( f ) )
(19.62)
The c a p i t a l i z e d damage cost i s t h i s amount i n (19.62) times the

present worth f a c t o r . Using the same f a c t o r as i n chapter 11 section
7:
pwf = 12.2335
(11.31)
(19.63)
y i e l d s a c a p i t a l i z e d damage cost o f :
cap.dam. = (12.2335)(2)(C)(P(f))
11.
(19.64)
Determine the t o t a l cost by adding the construction cost to the
c a p i t a l i z e d damage cost:
t o t a l cost = [ ( 1 2 . 2 3 3 5 ) ( 2 ) ( P ( f ) ) + 1 ] C
= [24.467 P ( f ) + 1 ] C
(19.65)
(19.66)
or i n t h i s case:
t o t a l cost = [(24.467)(4.941 x l O ' ^ ) + 1]
= 6.305 X 10*/m
2.854 x 10* (19.67)

(19.68)
19.8. The Optimization

The procedure j u s t outlined has determined the t o t a l cost of a
single breakwater. Obviously the optimum design is that which has
the lowest t o t a l cost. This optimum must be found by repeating steps
2
through 11 in the previous section f o r various design waves and
then repeating the e n t i r e procedure - beginning with step 1 - f o r

various crest elevations. This is done i n table 19.8 i n which each
row i s computed using the methods described i n the previous section.
Results of that s p e c i f i c computation are shovm in the top row o f f i gures i n the t a b l e .
142
Step and equation numbers are l i s t e d on each column i n order to

make the computation more clear. The computations involved in a single
row can be carried out on a programmable pocket c a l c u l a t o r ; seven programs were used i n sequence.
Since i t appears from the l a s t column of the table that the t o t a l
cost is s t i l l decreasing f o r the design with P{Hj) = 1/5000, addition
nal,
wider breakwaters were also computed. For these, the chance of
f a i l u r e due to a clapotis is e f f e c t i v e l y zero; a l l damage is caused by

the short period wave f o r c e .
The data presented i n the table can be presented i n various ways.
Cost graphs showing costs versus width are p l o t t e d f o r each o f the chosen crest elevations i n f i g u r e 19.5. The overall optimum i s not too
obvious, however; various curves must be compared i n order to reveal the
optimum. A help f o r t h i s v i s u a l i z a t i o n might be to p l o t the t o t a l cost
of the best solution at each crest elevation as a f u n c t i o n o f crest elevation and of width. This results i n the curves shown in f i g u r e 19.6.
They indicate that an optimum solution must be about 13 m wide and 20 m
high. Another more conventional v i s u a l i z a t i o n f o r an optimization funct i o n of two variables is to p l o t contour lines of constant
parameter
value ( t o t a l cost, here) as a function of the two optimization paramet e r s , height and width. This is shown i n f i g u r e 19.7. The previous f i gures can, o f course, be related to f i g u r e 19.7. The curves i n f i g u r e
19.5 are p r o f i l e s made by intersecting the optimization surface with
At
planes h
= constant. Figure 19.6 is a projection o f points near the
bottom of the "valley" seen running from the upper l e f t t o lower r i g h t

in f i g u r e 19.7 on to planes perpendicular to the coordinate axes.
The optimum design appears to have a height of about 20.2 m and
a width of about 13.0 m - f i g u r e 19.7. Examining and i n t e r p o l a t i n g in
table 19.8 y i e l d s the following conclusions:
a.
b.
The breakwater is heavy enough to withstand a l l c l a p o t i s forces P(Hd) ; i 0.

The crest elevation is considerably higher than that needed to l i -
c.
A l l damage w i l l r e s u l t from the short period dynamic f o r c e s . Fai-
mit the overtopping to an acceptable degree.

lure w i l l occur by tipping with a frequency of occurrence o f about
1/500 per year.
d.
An incremental increase i n height improves s t a b i l i t y more than an

equal incremental increase in width. This follows from the r e l a t i v e slopes o f the two curves i n f i g u r e 19.5.
The optimum design is sketched in f i g u r e 19.8.
143
TABLE 19.8 Optimization Computations

Step No.
Eq. No.
h'
.'11*
(m)
(-)
(m)
(m)
(m)
(m)
3
tab.19.6
(19.21/22)
"wl
(N/m)
''w2
(N/m)
(19.25)
(N/m)
(19.34)
SLIP
TIP
chosen
sin ojtj
*t.|^
(m)
(m)
(m)
(19.30)
(19.47)
f i g . 19.4
f()tj^)
(19.51)
(19.54)
sliding
tipping
critical
(N/m)
(N/m)
f i g . 19.1
K
(N/m)
(-)
11
(19.58)
(19.13)
(19.65)
P(f)
{-)
(-/m)
' t o t a l cost
(-/m)
17.5
1/50
8.7
4.4
4.6
12.9
1.005x10^
2.022x10^
1.207x10^
10.27
8.42
10.3
1.177
0.66
1.973x10^
1.626x10^
1.626x10^
1/34
4 .941x10"^
2.854x10^
6.305x10*
17.5
1/100
8.9
4.6
4.4
13.1
1.053x10^
1.979x10^
1.251x10^
10.79
8.71
10.8
1.185
0.66
2.043x10^
1.714x10^
1.714x10^
1/41
3.439x10''^
2.945x10^
5.423x10*
0.65
2.216x10^
1.994x10^
1.894x10^
1/62
4.538x10*
2.296x10^
1.996x10^
1.996x10^
1/80
1 .813x10 ^
U350xl0"^
3.144x10^
0.65
3.253x10'^
4.327x10*
17.5
1/500
9.3
5.1
3.9
13.6
1.157x10^
1.833x10^
1.340x10^
11.89
9.34
11.9
1.207
17.5
1/1000
9.5
5.3
3.7
13.8
1.212x10^
1.776x10^
1.390x10^
12.51
9.66
12.5
1.216
17.5
1/5000
9.9
5.8
3.2
14.3
1.321x10^
1.601x10^
1.481x10^
13.72
10.33
13.8
1.239
17.5
17.5
0.65
2.458x10^
2.199x10^
2.199x10^
1/140
7 .343x10"'^
3.488x10'^
4.115x10*
14.3
14.5
0.65
2.558x10^
2.334x10^
2.334x10^
1/205
4 .878x10"-^
3.615x10^
4.046x10*
14.3
16.0
0.65
2.764x10^
2.611x10^
2.611x10^
1/450
2 .222x10"-^
3.886x10^
4.097x10*
19
1/50 '
8.7
4.4
6.1
12.9
1.005x10^
2.682x10^
1.273x10^
9.51
8.08
9.5
1.135
0.67
2.048x10^
1.629x10^
1.629x10^
1/34
4 .941x10"^
2.879x10^
6.359x10*
19
1/100
8.9
4.6
5.9
13.1
1.053x10^
2.654x10^
1.318x10^
9.96
8.34
10.0
1.143
0.67
2.130x10^
1.732x10^
1.732x10^
1/43
3 .326x10"^
2.975x10^
5.397x10*
0.66
2.313x10^
1.921x10^
1.921x10^
1/67
1 .693x10"^
3.169x10^
4.481x10*
0.66
2.390x10^
2.018x10^
2.018x10^
1/86
1 .263x10'^
3.265x10^
4.274x10*
3.458x10^
4.093x10*
19
1/500
9.3
5.1
5.4
13.6
1.157x10^
2.238x10^
1.411x10^
10.93
8.93
11.0
1.161
19
1/1000
9.5
5.3
5.2
13.8
1.212x10^
2.496x10^
1.462x10^
11.47
9.22
11.5
1.169
19
1/5000
9.9
5.8
4.7
14.3
1.321x10^
2.351x10^
1.556x10^
12.52
9.83
12.5
1.189
19
14.3
14.0
19
14.3
15.0
21
1/500
9.3
5.1
7.4
13.6
1.157x10^
3.478x10^
1.505x10^
21
1/1000
9.5
5.3
7.2
13.8
1.212x10^
3.457x10^
1.558x10^
9.97
0.66
2.534x10^
2.193x10^
2.193x10^
1/137
7 .499x10"'^
0.56
2.779x10^
2.533x10^
2.533x10^
1/360
2 .778xlO"'^
3.748x10^
4.003x10*
0.66
2.936x10^
2.750x10^
2.750x10^
1/650
1 .538x10''^
3.941x10^
4.090x10*
8.50
10.0
1.114
0.67
2.429x10^
1.930x10^
1.930x10^
1/69
1 .549x10"^
3.210x10^
4.505x10*
8.77
10.5
1.121
0.67
2.522x10^
2.047x10^
2.047x10^
1/93
1 .175x10"'^
3.314x10^
4.267x10*
11.5
1.137
0.67
2.699x10^
21
1/5000
2.262x10^
2.262x10^
1/170
6 .082x10"^
3.524x10*
4.048x10*
21
14.3
12.5
0.57
2.891x10^
2.534x10^
2.534x10^
1/360
2,,778x10"'^
3.733x10*
3.987x10*
21
14.3
13.5
0.67
3.078x10^
2.798x10^
2.798x10^
1/750
1 .333x10"'^
3.942x10*
4.071x10*
23
1/5000
0.67
2.252x10^
2.837x10^
2.252x10^
1/200
5,.200x10''^
3.556x10*
4.009x10*
23
14.3
12.0
0.67
2.722x10^
3.172x10^
2.722x10^
1/600
1,,667x10"-^
3.895x10*
4.054x10*
23
14.3
12.5
23
1/1000
9.5
5.3
9.2
13.8
1.212x10^
4.417x10^'
1.654x10^
20
1/1000
9.5
5.3
6.2
13.8
1.212x10^
2.977x10^
20
1/5000
9.9
5.8
5.7
14.3
1.321x10^
2.852x10^
20
14.3
20
14.3
22
1/1000
9.5
5.3
8.2
13.8
1.212x10^
3.937x10^
1.606x10^
8.58
10.0
22
1/5000
9.9
5.8
7.7
14.3
1.321x10^
3.852x10^
1.706x10^
9.11
10.9
22
14.3
22
14.3
9.9
9.9
5.8
5.8
6.7
8.7
14.3
14.3
3.352x10^
1.321x10^
1.321x10^
4.355x10^
1.659x10^
9.33
1.756x10^
8.92
10.5
1.097
0.67
2.875x10^
3.280x10^
2.875x10^
1/910
1.,099x10"^
4.008x10*
4.115x10*
8.42
9.7
1.084
0.68
2.063x10^
2.639x10^
2.063x10^
1/97
1,,131x10"^
3.376x10*
4.310x10*
1.510x10^
8.98
11.0
1.143
0,66
2.042x10^
2.480x10^
2.042x10^
1/92
1.,187xl0"^
3.294x10*
4.250x10*
1.606x10^
9.55
11.9
1.161
0.66
2.212x10^
2.623x10^
2.212x10^
1/145
7.097x10"^
3.475x10*
4.078x10*
13.0
0.66
2.488x10^
2.820x10^
2.488x10^
1/320
3..125x10'^
3.696x10*
3.979x10*
14.0
0.66
2.730x10^
2.995x10^
2.730x10^
1/620
1. 613x10"^
3.898x10*
4.052x10*
1.101
0.67
2.032x10^
2.581x10^
2.032x10^
1/89
1. 224x10"^
3.327x10*
4.322x10*
1.116
0.67
2.237x10^
2.754x10^
2.237x10^
1/155
6.652x10"'^
3.522x10*
4.096x10*
2.984x10^
2.560x10^
1/390
2.564x10"^
3.762x10*
3.998x10*
2.847x10^
1/825
1. 212x10"^
3.979x10*
4.097x10*
9.67
12.0 -
0.67
2.560x10^
13.0
0.67
2.847x10^
-3,
3.186x10^
145
F i g u r e 19.5 a
COST C U R V E S
CREST
FOR V A R I O U S
ELEVATIONS
70
10
04
10
11
12
13
15
16
WIDTH ( m )
146
F i g u r e 19.5 b
COST CURVES
CREST
FOR
VARIOUS
ELEVATIONS
70
60
50
c]
H
40
'
30
20
10
WIDTH
(m)
h ' * = 2 D.Or
h'^ = 2 I.Or
147
F i g u r e 19.5 c
COST CURVES FOR VARIOUS
CREST E L E V A T I O N S
70
60
50
40
'
20
h'*=2 3.0
h''= 2 ?.0 m
10
10
11
12
13
VÎDTH
(m)
15
16
Figure
19.6
T O T A L COST V E R S U S
HEIGHT
T O T A L COST V E R S U S
WIDTH
FOR B E S T S O L U T I O N S
c
O
39-
37-
35-
10
12
width
b (m)
16
18
height
20
h (m)
22
17
10
12
13
w i d t h , b, (m)
15
15
13
etev. 11.7
rubble mound from
110.0, s l o p e
1:100
20
70
F i g u r e 19.8
S K E T C H OF M O N O L I T H I C
ORIGINAL
S C A L E : 1 :500
BREAKWATER
fig
11.3
151
19.9. Additional Conments

The optimum stone rubble mound breakwater f o r t h i s problem has
been outlined i n f i g u r e 19.8 f o r comparison purposes. Comparison of
the two designs leads to the following conclusions:
a.
The crest elevation of the monolithic structure i s much higher

than that of the rubble mound structure.
b.
The u n i t price of materials (price per cubic meter) f o r the rubble

mound structure is lower than f o r the monolith. However, since
the monolith uses much less m a t e r i a l , i t s t o t a l cost i s lower even
so.
c.
The rubble mound breakwater w i l l have to be repaired r e l a t i v e l y

f r e q u e n t l y , the low frequency of repair f o r the monolithic structure
results from the high cost of carrying out these repairs, i f they
occur.
The discussion o f economics - i n t e r e s t rates and l i f e o f the struc-
ture - presented in section 11.7 remains equally v a l i d f o r the monolithic structure.

The low frequencies of damage associated with the optimum monolithic
design may not prove to be too dependable i n practice. Such frequencies
must obviously be based upon extrapolations.
Since the annual chance of damage i s so small (about 1/500), what
is the chance that no maintenance w i l l be needed during the 50 year l i f e
of the structure? The chance that maintenance w i l l be needed ( f a i l u r e
will
occur) i n any one year i s P ( f ) ;v 1/500. The chance that f a i l u r e
will
not occur i n one year i s :

1 - P(f)
The chance that t h i s will
(19.69)
not occur i n the l i f e of the structure i s :
[1 - P ( f ) ] ^
(19.70)
where l i s the l i f e o f the structure. In t h i s case t h i s chance i s :

[1 - 1/500]5 = 0.90475
(19.71)
or a b i t over 90%1 By comparison, f o r the rubble mound breakwater of

chapter 11 with a chance o f damage of 1/26 per year, there i s a chance
of only
[1 - 1/26]^ = 0,14071
(19.72)
or a b i t more than 14% of not having to carry out any repairs.

This concludes the section on monolithic breakwaters. The subject
of breakwater design concludes i n the f o l l o w i n g chapter with a short
discussion of the a l t e r n a t i v e designs f o r the northern breakwater at
the entrance to Rotterdam.
152
20.
ROTTERDAM - EUROPOORT ENTRANCE DESIGN
J.F. Agema
E.W.
20.1. Introduction
Bijker
W.W. Massie
The purpose of t h i s chapter w i l l be to b r i e f l y summarize the a p p l i cation of breakwater design principles i n a s p e c i f i c case. In order to
put the breakwater design i n proper perspective, general harbor layout
considerations w i l l f i r s t be discussed. Later the discussion becomes
more s p e c i f i c r e s u l t i n g i n construction details o f the northern breakwater of the entrance.
A special feature of t h i s p a r t i c u l a r design study was that both
monolithic and rubble mound structures were considered. More important,
the economically least expensive solution was not chosen.
The reasons f o r t h i s appear in section 20.4.
20.2. Harbor Layout Considerations
This design problem involves the expansion o f an e x i s t i n g , busy
harbor complex. Ship t r a f f i c destined f o r the e x i s t i n g harbor f a c i l i t i e s
must be taking i n t o consideration when planning the expansion.
One way to avoid c o n f l i c t s between construction operations and exist i n g shipping i s to develop a second, new, separate harbor entrance. While
such a plan has advantages during construction, i t results i n a more complex (dangerous) t r a f f i c pattern i n the immediately adjacent sea a f t e r
completion. Many more crossings occur i n ship's paths entering and leaving from two adjacent harbor entrances than from a single entrance. A l so, t i d a l current patterns become more complex as the number o f entrances
increases. Navigation becomes more d i f f i c u l t ; wider dredged channels are
needed.
All o f these factors led to an early decision to use only a single
main harbor entrance. The consequences - that an accident i n the single
harbor entrance could shut down the e n t i r e port and that construction
a c t i v i t i e s could not be allowed to s i g n i f i c a n t l y hinder shipping - were
accepted.
Four possible main purposes of breakwaters are l i s t e d i n chapter 2:
wave reduction, reduce dredging, provide quay f a c i l i t i e s , and guide currents. Which of these are important f o r Europoort? L i t t o r a l transport
of sand was e f f e c t i v e l y stopped by other features - the seaward indust r i a l expansion to the south and the e x i s t i n g breakwater and groins to
the north. The entrance width would not be varied appreciably - harbor
currents and erosion or deposition would not be m a t e r i a l l y influenced;
dredging would not be increased by the breakwater extensions. Adequate
quay f a c i l i t i e s were planned elsewhere f u r t h e r i n l a n d . Since ships would
be entering with a reasonable speed, even tugboat assistance could be
postponed u n t i l ships were well inside the harbor entrance.
The combination o f longshore and harbor t i d a l currents d i d , however, present harbor layout problems. The layout o f the harbor entrance
breakwaters was to a great extent determined by the predicted current
patterns. The r e s u l t of the chosen layout on the current pattern has a l ready been shown - f i g u r e 2.4. Concluding, the primary .purpose o f the
153
breakwater i s to guide t i d a l currents. How does t h i s functional need ref l e c t on the breakwater design?
Since wave action i n the entrance is not detrimental to the harbor
operation i n this case, the breakwater crest need not be high; overtopping is o f no consequence. Other navigational aids, buoys and f i x e d
l i g h t s would guarantee v i s i b i l i t y ; the crest elevation could be low, only
mass overtopping which could lead to substantial currents i n the entrance
must be prevented. Thus, the minimum crest elevation r e s u l t i n g from the
harbor layout was a b i t higher than the normal high t i d e l e v e l . *
Breakwater porosity was not a design f a c t o r since sand transport and
wave transmission were not important. Low porosity was not considered det r i m e n t a l , but i t was not required. A l l of these design layout aspects
are dealt with i n more d e t a i l i n an anonymous Dutch r e p o r t . Ret Ontwerp
van
de Nieuwe
Havenmond bij
Hoek van Holland
(1964). Types of breakwaters
which s a t i s f y these harbor layout requirements are discussed i n the f o l l o wing section. There, and f o r the rest of t h i s chapter, the discussion w i l l
be r e s t r i c t e d to the extension of the northern breakwater - see f i g u r e
20.1.
20.3. Proposed Designs
Many types o f breakwater structures were considered, a l l of which met
the harbor layout requirements expressed i n the previous section. Rubble
mound, monolithic and composite constructions were considered, twelve d i f ferent concepts i n a l l . These are each i l l u s t r a t e d via sketches i n f i g u r e
20.2.
Table 20,1 l i s t s the types along summary evaluations of the cross-
sections. More detailed data i s available i n a report by van de Kreeke nd

Paape,
20.4, Evaluation of Designs^
One i s impressed by the variety of solutions suggested. However,
construction methods were l i m i t e d to use o f f l o a t i n g equipment. Cons t r u c t i o n over the crest was apparently eliminatedas uneconomical
early i n the design phase. The basis f o r t h i s may have been the additional cost o f r a i s i n g the crest s u f f i c i e n t l y to allow t h i s type of
construction operation. The crest elevation would now be determined based upon an overtopping c r i t e r i a during the construction phase.
The optimizations presented i n f i g u r e 20,3 and the costs l i s t e d
in table 20,1 were determined f o r cross sections located i n water 12 m
deep as shown i n f i g u r e 20,2 as w e l l . As is indicated i n the remarks
in table 2 0 . 1 , the most economical choice o f cross section was a funct i o n of the water depth. Figure 20,2.1 shows the most economical solut i o n f o r 8 m water depth, f o r example. Obviously, on the other hand,
i t i s very uneconomical to use a multitude o f d i f f e r e n t types of cross
sections i n the same breakwater. I t is best, t h e r e f o r e , to choose a
single breakwater form f o r which only d e t a i l s such as dimensions or
weights w i l l
vary along the breakwater. The construction process i s
Construction techniques might dictate a higher level i n t h i s case.
154
simplified.
The f i n a l choice f o r the breakwater form was a rubble mound struct u r e , constructed using concrete cubes f o r primary armor. More details
of the design and construction are given i n the following section.
20.5. Construction Details
Two cross sections of the northern breakwater are shown i n f i g u r e
20.4.
The locations of these cross sections are shown on f i g u r e 2 0 . 1 .
As i s shown i n figure 20.4, a broad portion of the sea bed was raised
using a sand and gravel f i l l . A large quantity of inexpensive, easily
placed material was used i n order to reduce the size of the breakwater
proper. In t h i s way, a maximum portion of the structure could be b u i l t
from moving ships; the hinderance to other shipping t r a f f i c was m i n i mized. Further details of the construction phases are shown i n f i g u r e
20.5.
TABLE 20.1
Type
Overview of Breakwater Types

chance of Remarks
f i g . Relative Costs at Opno. timum f o r 12m waterdepth Failure at
20.2 Const. Maint Total
optimum
90 Caisson
25200
1300
26500
1/1000
economical of m a t e r i a l , but expensive to

construct,caisson placement d i f f i c u l t and
bothersome to shipping
60 Caisson
13500
500
14000
1/1000
especially d i f f i c u l t to f l o a t into place
Hanstholm
Caisson
11400
100
11500
1/5000
Very f l a t optimization curve - f i g u r e 20.3a

Cheapest s o l u t i o n f o r 12m water depth.
Rock asphalt d i f f i c u l t to place
Hanstholm
Caisson
with Cubes
12700
300
13000
1/3000
Ballasting w i l l be slow with crane
Hanstholm
block Wall
14300
200
14500
1/5000
Use large concrete blocks very d i f f i c u l t

to construct
Concrete
f
Cube Rubble
Mound
154U0
600
16000
1/1500
Large volume o f inexpensive material c o n t i nuous construction cheapest solution f o r 10m

dept see f i g u r e 20.3b
Stone As- g
f a i t Rubble
Mound
19000
Rock asphalt d i f f i c u l t to place under water
Concrete
Cubes Retaining
Wall
15000
Retaining wall d i f f i c u l t to place but i s

immediately above water cheapest solution
f o r 8m depth
Caisson
with cubes
17000
Uses much varied construction equipment
Retaining
Wall on
top of
Rubble
Mound
17000
Wall d i f f i c u l t to place
Rock asphalt top used
Retaining
Wall on
top of
Rubble
Mound
17000
Retaining wall d i f f i c u l t to place
Concrete
Cubes with
Crest
Struct.
15500
Crest structure too d i f f i c u l t to place

cheapest solution f o r 8m water depth
155
156
Figure
20.2
PROPOSED DESIGNS FOR
NORTH BREAKWATER
a 90 CAISSON
NAP=0
d HANSTHOLM"CAISSON WITH CUBES

^ iim.
+2
stor\@ asphalt
minestone
15K.
NAP =0
-1,8 ( - ^ 3 0 ^
/ sand
mineston
a ravel
b= 11,8m
ft
157
e HANSTHOLM" BLOCK WALL

Am
+2
NAP = 0
^^V22Dtn<g/m
300-1000
IU-1UUU kkg I
10-60M
///(///??<m:
b = 12m
gravel
f CONCRETE CUBE RUBBLE MOUND
NAP:=0
-12
g STONE ASPHALT RUBBLE MOUND
158
J. R E T A I N I N G
W A L L ON R U B B L E
MOUND
NAP=0
RETAINING
W A L L ON R U B B L E
MOUND
+ ^ stone a s p h a l t
NAP = 0
-11
-12
I. CONCRETE
CUBES WITH
CREST
STRUCTURE
J ^ s t o n e asphalt
NAP =0
159
- _ T O W _ C ;OST
CON
6.1
3 T R U C T l O b\
6.2
5.3
COST
6.4
6.5
-m> D E S I G N LOAD
Figure
20.3Q
OPTIMIZATION
HANSTHOLM"
CURVE
CAISSON
21000
Hsigd (m)
Figure 20.3b
OPTIMIZATION C U R V E FOR
C U B E RUBBLE MOUND
FOR
6.6
(10^N/m^)
CROSS
SECTION
Fiqure
D-Q
IN
FIGURE
20.4
C R O S S S E C T I O N S OF
NORTH BREAKWATER
20.1
161
the natural bottom raising phase 1 and 2

fine gravel and coarse sand
t r a i l i n g dredger
( sailing )
fed
;=?;\WA?^W-<^^'^^^ original bottomv//
t h e n a t u r a l b o t t o m raising phase 3
f i n e gravel and coarse sand
t r a i l i n g dredger
{sailing )
barge w i t h s i d e unloading
{ cross s a i l i n g )
coarse gravel and rubble

dumping 1 0 - 8 0 kg
r u b b l e dumping
0.3 - 1,0 T
barge w i t h s i d e unloading
(cross sailing )
1
Vr-irw.-v
rubble dumping 1-6 T

core and parts of b e r m s
barge w i t h s i d e unloading ( l y i n g idle )
c o m p l e t i n g berms
r u b b l e d u m p i n g 1-6T
barge with side ln>/rnTeaf3. u n l o a d i n g { l y i n g idle)
Ây/JwAsy/XSyyAX/A original bottom
Figure
20.5
(CONSTRUCTION ) PHASES
OF N O R T H
BREAKWATER
162
SYMBOLS AND NOTATION
W.W. Massie
The symbols used i n t h i s set notes are l i s t e d i n the table.

International standards of notation have been used where available
except f o r occasional uses i n which d i r e c t c o n f l i c t o f meaning
would r e s u l t . Certain symbols have more than one meaning, however
t h i s is only allowed when the context of a symbol's use is s u f f i cient to define i t s meaning e x p l i c i t l y . For example, T is used to
denote both wave period and temperature.
Functions are denoted using the B r i t i s h and American notation.
The major discrepancy with European continental notation occurs with
the inverse trigonometric functions. Thus, the angle whose sine is
y is denoted by:
sin 1 y instead of arc sin y .
Possible confusion is avoided i n these notes by denoting the reciprocal of the sine function by the cosecant f u n c t i o n , esc, or by
This same rule applied to the other trigonometric and hyperbolic

functions as wel 1.
In the table a meaning given i n capital l e t t e r s indicates an
international standard. The meaning of symbols used f o r dimensions
and units are also l i s t e d toward the end o f the t a b l e .
Roman Letters
Sym-
Definition
bol
Equa-
dimensions
Units
,2
2
m
tion
CROSS SECTIONAL AREA
coefficient
ag
acceleration
16.01
LT-2
m/s^
bouyant force
16.18
MLT"2
7.02
coefficient
breakwater width
number of armor units per
C^
contact force
16.11
MLT"2
c^
spring constant
16.02
ML2T-2
Nm/rad
MT'2
MT"2
N/m
7.08
16.40
7.22
L-2
. u n i t surface area
c^
spring constant
16.03
c^
spring constant
16.02
block "diameter"
7.01
BASE OF NATURAL LOGS

force in x d i r e c t i o n
F^
force in z d i r e c t i o n
16.03
16.02
MLT'2
-2
MLT
N/m
N
N
163
Sym-
Equa-
Definition
bol
dimensions
Units
tion
F^^
wave force
16.17
MLT ^
Fp
f r i c t i o n force
16.21
MLT'2
7.04
MLT'2
LT'2
m/s^
f r i c t i o n force
failure in P(f)
ACCELERATION OF GRAVITY
WAVE HEIGHT
19.58
7.01
design wave height
19.02
H.j
incident wave height
15.01
Hg^jg
s i g n i f i c a n t wave height
11.03
s i g n i f i c a n t wave height at
11.04
5.04
f i g . 5.02
7.19
Lj
sig^
deep water
H^
transmitted wave height
Hy
maximum progressive wave
wave height at deep water
unknown wave height
WATERDEPTH
component
tab.11.3
hg
depth to toe of armor
h'
waterlevel
11.05
t o t a l height o f breakwater
19.07
Ig
virtual inertia
16.04
ML^
kgm^/rad
^wy
virtual inertia
16.04
ML^
kgm^/rad
Igy
virtual inertia
16.04
ML^
kgm^/rad
subscript index
16.04
ML^
kgm^/rad
constant
19.40
15.01
L"1
1/m
tab.11.1
constant
WAVE NUMBER
19.43
Length of impacting mass
15.03
mass
16.05
16.04
MLV^
2TI/X
m
kg
Nm
My
moment
number of layer of armor units
m'
number of units across crest
mg
breakwater mass
16.02
kg
m^
v i r t u a l s o i l mass
16.01
kg
m^
v i r t u a l water mass
16.03
kg
normal force
MLT"2
number of waves
7.21
7.23
7.03
tab.19.3
164
Sym-
Definition
bol
Equa-
dimensions
Units
tion
N'
dynamic normal force
slope porosity
P( )
p r o b a b i l i t y of ( )
19,02
pressure
15.01
run up
16.18
MLT"2
5,01
ML"1T"2
N/m^
5,01
hydraulic radius
15.05
slope roughness
5,01
PERIOD (wave)
5.01
TIME
15.01
s;hr
Layer thickness
7,21
COMPONENT VELOCITY IN X
LT"1
m/s
DIRECTION
V
TOTAL VELOCITY
15.02
LT"1
m/s
COMPONENT VELOCITY IN Y
16.24
LT"1
m/s
16,18
MLT'2
7,03
MLT"2
LT"1
m/s
DIRECTION
W
breakwater weight
^sub
block weight
COMPONENT VELOCITY IN Z
DIRECTION
COORDINATE DIRECTION
16.01
horizontal displacement
16,32
16.01
15,01
5.02
crest elevation above SWL
165
GREEK LETTERS
Sym-
Definition
Equa-
dimensions
Units
tion
bol
breakwater slope
5.01
rad.
foreshore slope
5.01
rad.
breaker index
RELATIVE DENSITY
11.02
7.11
time interval
15.03
dynamic pressure c o e f f i c i e n t
16.20
slope angle
7.03
WAVE LENGTH
fig.5.2
friction coefficient
rad.
7.04
3.1415926536
DENSITY OF WATER
7.01
Pa
density of armor
7.08
PB
Pc
-3
ML
ML'
ML'
ML"
kg/m^
kg/m^
density of breakwater
16.63
density of s o i l
16.01
angular r o t a t i o n
16.04
rad.
angle of internal f r i c t i o n
16.22
rad.
c i r c u l a r frequency
15.01
natural frequency
16.05
r-l
.-1
kg/m'^
kg/m^
rad/s
rad/s
Special symbols
pwf
structure l i f e
11.30
i n t e r e s t rate
11.29
wave breaking parameter
11.02
speed of sound i n water
15.03
amplitude of
16.17
present worth f a c t o r
11.29
years
LT
-1
m/s
166
Subscript
Sym-
Definition
Equa-
bol
tion
armor
7.08
breakwater
crest
5.02
incident H^j
5.01
natural (frequency)
deep water
soil
sub
submerged
7.03
toe of construction
5.01
transmitted
5.03
water
16.17
X component
16.03
y component
16.04
z component
16.02
16.02
16.05
fig.5.2
16.01
Functions used
Trigonometric functions
s1n( )
sine o f ( )
cos( )
cosine of ( )
tan( )
tangent of ( )
-1
sin
j!
( )
angle whose sine i s ( )
cos-l( )
angle whose cosine i s ( )
tan"'l( )
angle whose tangent is ( )
The reciprocal o f s1n( ) would be denoted by

csc( ) cosecant ( ) .
167
hyperbolic functions
sinh( )
hyperbolic sine of { )
cosh( )
hyperbolic cosine of { )
tanh( )
hyperbolic tangent of ( )
sinh 1( )
argument whose hyperbolic sine is ( )
cosh 1( )
argument whose hyperbolic cosine is ( )
tanh '( )
argument whose hyperbolic tangent is ( )
logarithmic functions
log( )
logarithm to base 10 of { )
ln( )
logarithm to base e of { )
exp( )
e raised to the power { )
P{ )
p r o b a b i l i t y of exceedance of ( )
f( )
general function of ( )
n( )
product of { )
T,{ )
sum of ( )
168
Dimensions and units

Sym-
Definition
bol
Op
degree Celsius
cm
centimeter = 1 0
ft
foot
GRAM
hour
hr
hour
kg
KILOGRAM
km
kilometer = 10^ m
kt
knot = nautical miles per hou
LENGTH DIMENSION
lb
pound force
-2
m
MASS DIMENSION
METER
mg
milligram = 10 ^ g
mm
m i l l i m e t e r = lO"^ m
um
micrometer = 10 ^ m
NEWTON
rad
radians
SECOND
TIME DIMENSION
yr
year
degree temperature
degree angle
parts per thousand
169
REFERENCES
The f o l l o w i n g l i s t includes bibliographic data on a l l of the
references used i n the previous chapters.
Works are l i s t e d in alphabetical order by f i r s t author and in
sequence of p u b l i c a t i o n .
Agema, J.F. (1972): Harbor Breakwaters on Sea Coasts: Cement, volume

24 number 12, December, pp. 511-515: i n DUTCH, o r i g i n a l
HaVendammen aan
Ahrens, J.P.
title:
Zee.
(1970): The Influence of Breaker Type on Riprap S t a b i l i t y :

of the
T?rooeeding8
12^^ Coastal
Engineering
Washington,
Conference:
D.C.
Anonymous (before 1964): Ooourrenoe
Haringvliet
Sluice
Gates:
Frequencies
of Wave Forces
on the
Nota number W 644, Waterloopkundig
A f d e l i n g , Deltadienst, Rijkswaterstaat, The Hague: i n DUTCH,

original
t i t l e : Jaarfrequenties
van de
van de Golfbelasting
op de
Schuiven
Haringvlietsluis.
(1964): The Design
of The New Harbor
Entrance
at Hook of
Holland:
Nota, Rijkswaterstaat, The Hague: in DUTCH, o r i g i n a l t i t l e : Het

Ontwerp
van Nieuwe
Havenmond bij
Hoek van
Holland.
(1970): A r t i f i c i a l Armouring of Marine Structures: The Dock and

Harbor Authority,
volume 5 1 , number 601, November, pp. 297-301
(1972): Wave Run-up and Wave Overtopping:
Report, Technical Advisory
Committee on Sea Defenses, Rijkswaterstaat, The Hague, in DUTCH,

original
t i t l e : Golfoploop
en Golfoverslag.
An English version is
also available.
(1973): Shore Protection
Manual: U.S. Army Coastal Engineering
Research Center: U.S. Government P r i n t i n g O f f i c e , Washington D.C.

B a t t j e s , J.A.
(1974): Computation
and Overtopping
of Set-up,
due to Wind-generated
Longshore
Waves:
Currents,
Doctorate Thesis,
Benassai, E. (1975): The S t a b i l i t y Against Sliding of Breakwaters
Under the Action o f Breaking Waves: Bulletin
Intemational
Association
of Navigation
of the Permanent
Congresses,
volume
49, number 2 1 , pp. 31-48.

de Best, A. (1971): Sand Transport
in Standing
Waves:
Thesis,
Coastal Engineering Group, Department o f C i v i l Engineering,

D e l f t University of Technology: in DUTCH, orignal t i t l e :
landtransport
in- Staande
Golven.
Run-^p,
170
Bouma, A . L . ; Esveld, C (1976): Dynamias of Struoturee,
Part 1.
Lecture notes. Dep. of C i v i l Engineering D e l f t University

of Technology, January: in DUTCH, o r i g i n a l t i t l e : Dynamioa
om ConstvuGti.es,
deel 1.
Coursey, G.E. (1973): New Shape in Shore Protection:

Engineering,
Civil
ASCE, volume 43, number 12, December, pp.69-71.
Danel, P.; Chapus, E.; D h a i l l e , R. (1960): Tetrapods and other

Precast Blocks f o r Breakwaters: Pvooeedings
Society
of Civil
Division,
Engineevs,
Jouvnal
of Amevioon
of Watevways
and
Harbors
volume 86, number; WW 3.
Elbro, Olaf (1964): The port of Hanstholm, Denmark: Bulletin

the
Permanent
Congresses,
Intemational
Association
of
of
Navigation
Volume 1, number 11, pp 3-20, in FRENCH, o r i g i n a l
t i t l e : Le Port de Hanstholm au Danemark.

Font, J.B. (1968): The E f f e c t of Storm Duration on Rubble Mound
Breakwaters: Proceedings
of 11^^ Coastal
Engineering
Conference,
London.
Fhrbter, A. (1969): Laboratory Investigation of Impact Forces:
P r e p r i n t s , Symposium
on Research
on Wave Action,
D e l f t , 24-28
March.
G r i f f i n , O.M. (1972): Recent Designs f o r Transportable Wave
Barriers and Breakwaters: Marine
Technology
Society
Journal,
volume 6, number 2, March-April, pp. 7-16.

H a l l , W.C.; H a l l , J.V. (1940): A Model Study of the Effects of
Submerged Breakwaters on Wave Action: Technical Memo number
1, U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers,
Beach Erosion
Heerema, E.P. (1974): Wave Impact on Piles:
Board,
Thesis,
May.
coastal
Engineering Group, Department o f C i v i l Engineering, D e l f t

University of Technology: in DUTCH, o r i g i n a l
klappen
op
title:
Golf-
Palen.
Hudson, R.Y. (1953): Wave Forces on Breakwaters: Transactions

the American
Society
of Civil
Engineers,
of
volume 11 B, p.
653.
Hudson, R.Y.
(1974): Concrete
Wave Attack:
Armor
Units
for
Proteotion
Against
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Waterways Experi-
ment Station, Misc. Paper H-74-2, January.
171
I r i b a r r e n Cavanilles, R. (1938): A Formula f o r the calculation of

Rock F i l l Dikes: Revista de Obras Publicas, 1938 in SPANISH,
original
t i t l e : Una Foniula para el Calculo de Los Diques de
Escollera, translated into English i n : The Bulletin

Beaoh Erosion
of
the
Bard, volume 3, number 1, January 1949.
James, W. (1971): Response of Rectangular Resonators to Ocean Wave

Spectra: Proc. Institution
of Civil
Eng. volume 48, Januari,
pp. 51-63.
J a r l a n , G.L.E. (1961): A Perforated Vertical Wall Breakwater: The
Book and Harbour Authority,
volume 4 1 , number 486, April
pp.
394-398.
Johnson, J.W. ; Fuchs, R.A.; Morison, J.R.,(1951): The Damping Action
of Submerged Breakwaters: Transaction
of American
Geophysical
Union, volume 32, number 5, October, pp. 704-718.

de Jong, A . J . ; Peerlkamp, K.P. (1973): Development
of Bottom Protection:
and
Properties
Thesis, Coastal Engineering Group,
Department of C i v i l Engineering, D e l f t , University of Technology,

in Dutch, o r i g i n a l
en
t i t l e : Bodembescherming:
deel A,
Ontwikkeling
Eigenschappen.
Karnas, J. (1973): Mechanical
Reef,
U.S. Patent No. 3, 845630, July 25.
Kerkhoven, R.E. , (1965): Recent Developments in Asphalt Techniques

f o r Hydraulic Applications in the Netherlands.
Proceedings
- Association
of Asphalt
Paving
Technologists,
volume
34.
Kowalski, T.
(1974); e d i t o r : Floating
Breakwaters
Conference
Papers
University of Rhode Island Marine Technical Report Serie, number 24.

Kreeke, J.
v.d.
Resulting
(1963): Wave Forces
Dynamic Reactions:
on the
Front
of Caissons
and
the
Waterloopkundige A f d e l i n g , Deltadienst,
Rijkswaterstaat, The Hague, Report number 2, in DUTCH, o r i g i n a l

title:
Golfbelasting
Dynamische
Reacties
op het
Voorvlak
tengevolge
Kreeke, J. v . d . ; Paape, A . : Europoort
van Havenhoofdoaissons
en
de
daarvan.
Breakwater
Structures;
A Cost
Comparison: Report by Ministry of Public Works and D e l f t Hydraul i c s Laboratory: W 732 M 748; in Dutch, o r i g i n a l
Constructies
HaVendammen
title:
Europoort.
Laurie, A.H. (1952): Pneumatic Breakwater: The Dock and Harbor

volume 36, number 422 (December) p. 265.
Authority,
172
Marks, W.; Jarlan, G.L.E. (1969): Experimental Studies on a Fixed

Perforated Breakwater: Prooeedinga
Conference,
11^^ Coastal
Engineering
pp. 367-396.
Le Mhaut, B. (1957-1958): The Perviousness of Rock F i l l

to Periodic Gravity Waves: La ^'suille
Blanche,
Breakwaters
volume 12, number
6, pp. 903-919; in FRENCh.

Le Mhaut, B. (19o8,
The Permeability
Periodic'Gravity
in FRENCH, o r i g i n a l
aux ondes
of Dikes
and Breakwaters
to
Waves: Doctorate Thesis, University of Grenoble;

t i t l e : Prmeabilit
de gravit
des diques
en enrouohementa
priodiques.
N i j b o e r , M. (1972): Literature
and Model
Rubble Mound Breakwaters:
Study
of the Stability
of
Student t h e s i s . Coastal Engineering
Group, Department of C i v i l Engineering, D e l f t University of

Technology; in DUTCH.
Oorschot, J.H. van; d'Angremond, K. (1968): The E f f e c t of Wave Energy
Spectra on Wave Run-up: Proceedings
Conference,
of 11^^ Coastal
Engineering
London, volume I I pp. 888-900.
Paape, A . : Walther, A.W. (1962): Akmon Armour
of Rubble Mound Breakwaters:
Unit
for
Cover
Layers
D e l f t Hydraulics Laboratory,
publication number 27, Oktober.

Palmer, R.Q. (1960): Breakwaters in the Hawaiian Islands:
Society
of Civil
Division,
Engineers,
Journal
of Waterways
American
and
Harbors
volume 36, number 2.
S a v i l l e , T. (1962): An Approximation of the Wave Run-up Frequency

D i s t r i b u t i o n : Proceedings
of S*^ Coastal
Engineering
Conference,
Mexico City, pp. 48-59.

S c h i j f , J.B. (1940): Destruction of Waves by A i r I n j e c t i o n : De
volume 55, pp. 121-125: In DUTCH, o r i g i n a l
Ingenieur,
t i t l e : Het vernietigen
van golven door het inspuiten van l u c h t .

Sverdrup, H.U.; Johnson, Martin W.; Fleming, Richard H. (1942):
The Oceans:
Their
Physics
Chemistry
and General
Biology:
, Proceedings
ofthe
Prentice H a l l , Inc.
Taylor, G . I . (1955):
Royal Society,
Valembois, J.
Series A, volume 231, p. 456.
(1953): Investigation
on Wave Propagation:
of the Effect
of Resonant
Structures
Translation [From French] number 57-6, U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station.
173
Veltman - Geense, M. (1974): Fermeability

Unsteady
of a Rubble Mound in
Flow: Unpublished t h e s i s , Fluid Mechanics Group,
Department of C i v i l Engineering, D e l f t University of

Technology, November: in DUTCH, o r i g i n a l
baarheid
van een Blokken
Dam voor
Wichers, J.W.E. (1972): Eddy Formation
in Standing
Niet
title:
permanente
DoordringStroming.
and Sandtransport
Direction
Waves: Student thesis: Coastal Engineering Group,
D e l f t University of Technology, September: In DUTCH: original

title:
Onderzoek
richting
naar
in Staande
de Neerwerking
en de landtransport
Golven.
Wiegel, Robert L. (1961): Closely Spaced Piles as A Breakwater:

The Dock and Harbor
Authority,
volume 42, number 491 p.
Wiegel, Robert L. (1964): Oceanographioal
Engineering:
150.
Prentce -
Hall I n c . , Englewood C l i f f s , N . I . , U.S.A.

Wiegel, Robert L . ; Friend, R.A. (1958): Model Study of Wind Wave
Abatement:
Unpublished r e p o r t . University of C a l i f o r n i a .

Massie1976 3

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Massie1976 3

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Massie1976 3

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are the main types of breakwaters discussed in the document?

What are the main types of breakwaters discussed in the document?

What factors are considered in breakwater design?

What factors are considered in breakwater design?

COASTAL

324. MfiiS '672.

W.W. Massie, P.E,

"He knows enough who

TABLE OF CONTENTS - VOLUME I I I

General Design Information

Sources of Design Data

Rubble Mound Breakwaters

Basic Construction Principles

Wave Run-up and Overtopping

Run-up in Relation to Breakwater Design

Conclusions about Run-up

Characterizing Coefficients f o r Armor Units

Armor Unit Types

The Hudson Formula

Layer Extent and Thickness

F i l t e r and Toe Constructions

The Physical Phenomena Involved

Other Foundation Problems

Rubble Mound Breakwater Construction

Specific Constructional Aspects

Special Construction Problems

Parameters and t h e i r Interrelationships

Cost of Quarry Stone Breakwater

Damage to the Breakwater

Optimization of Quarry Stone Breakwater

Example of Rubble Mound Breakwater

Choice of Armor Units

Wave Forces on Vertical Walls

Breaking Waves - Impact

Other Wave Forces

Monolithic Breakwater Foundations

Failure Types and Causes

Impact Load Response

Example of Impact Response

Influence of Breakwater on Waves

Local Morphological Changes

Construction of Monolithic Breakwaters

Construction Over Crest

Use of Floating Caissons

Optimization Variables and Philosophy

Minimum Crest Elevation

Rotterdam - Europoort Entrance Design

Harbor Layout Considerations

Symbols and Notation

Comparison of armor units

Costs of Materials i n place

I n i t i a l cost estimate - stone breakwater

Cost as function of Wave height f o r stone

Breakwater damage computations

Response to schematized forces

Costs o f Materials i n Place

Wave force Computations

Additional breakwater s l i d i n g parameters

Overview of breakwater types