Effect of layout on floating breakwater performance: results of wave basin experiments. Martinelli L., Zanuttigh B., Ruol P., 2007.2D Model of Floating Breakwater Dynamics under Linear and Nonlinear Waves, 2nd Comsol User Conference, 14 Nov., Milano. Floating breakwaters under regular and irregular wave forcing: reflection and transmission characteristics. of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering, 112(4), 482-497. Directional wave effects on large offshore structures, J. of the 1993 Canadian Coastal Conference, May 4-7, Vancouver, British Columbia, 53-66. (1993): Wave effects of floating breakwaters, Proc. Wave loads and motions of long structures in directional seas, J Offshore Mech Arct Eng 109, 126–132. Analysis of 5 shaped floating breakwater in oblique waves: I.

Zhang, Field and numerical comparisons of the RIBS floating breakwater, J. Port of Brownsville Floating Breakwater, Proc. Usually dimensions are limited to a width of a few meters.įigure 5 Tethered float breakwaters See alsoĪrticles about shore or coastal protection: In the former case the risk of sinking of the structure is not negligible. Reinforced concrete modules are either empty inside or, more frequently, have a core of light material (e.g. Large breakwaters are frequently built with used barges, ballasted to the desired draft with sand or rock.Floating breakwaters are very effective when their width is of order of half the wavelength and/or when their natural period of oscillation is much longer compared to the wave period.īox type breakwaters are used most frequently (see also Figure 2). The modular system as applied and the mooring system are primary points of concern for this kind of structures. In the latter case the efficiency is higher, but the forces between modules are also higher. Next subsections describes the use of the different types of breakwaters in practice.Ĭonnections are either flexible, allowing preferably only the roll along the breakwater axis, or pre or post tensioned, to make them act as a single unit. The first three types have been much widely investigated by means of physical models and prototype experience, than the last one. Breakwater layout: Floating breakwaters can usually be rearranged into a new layout with minimum effort.įloating breakwaters are commonly divided into four general categories:įor each category, some types of floating breakwaters are shown in Figures 1 - 5.Visual impact: Floating breakwaters have a low profile and present a minimum intrusion on the horizon, particularly for areas with high tide ranges.They may be suitable for areas where summer anchorage or moorage is required. Ice problems: Floating breakwaters can be removed and towed to protected areas if ice formation is a problem.Water quality: Floating breakwaters present a minimum interference with water circulation and fish migration.Deep water: In water depths in excess of 6 m, bottom connected breakwaters are often more expensive than floating breakwaters.Poor foundation: Floating breakwaters might be a proper solution where poor foundations possibilities prohibit the application of bottom supported breakwaters.Some of the conditions that favour floating breakwaters are: Therefore, they have been increasingly used aiming at protecting small craft harbours or marinas or, less frequently, the shoreline, aiming at erosion control. It can be effective in coastal areas with mild wave environment conditions. Figure 1 Example of floating breakwater (Fezzano,SP-Italy courtesy of INGEMAR srl)įloating breakwaters represent an alternative solution to protect an area from wave attack, compared to conventional fixed breakwaters.

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