Author(s): Braulio G. Madrigal
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Keywords: Waves forces on new design of concrete vertical caisson with inner “yard”
Abstract: The present paper shows results of the wave forces from the hydraulic model tests carried out in a big channel on a new design of concrete caisson to be used as vertical breakwater. This caisson has a rectangular inner “yard” much larger than the rest of cells located around it. This yard possesses, as main feature, the absence of foundation base to reduce the up-lift pressures, being able to be filled the inner yard with a quarry stone or a dredging material. The usage of this dredging material could be considered as a vantage for this new design of caisson from the environmental point of view. The caisson was subjected to the four storm waves, each one with a different peak period, and several significant wave heights. The horizontal and vertical wave forces were obtained from the integration of the simultaneous intensity pressures distribution associated with a peak period and wave height. Tests were repeated under the same wave conditions, but on a conventional caisson in order to be able to compare the results from both caisson types. Furthermore, Three prediction formulas (Goda, Sainflou and Miche-Rundgren) of wave forces on solid vertical breakwater were applied to be compared with those measured in the model. As an example, a reduction of 36.5% of the vertical force is, as average, achieved.
Year: 2001