Author(s): Julio Monroy

Linked Author(s): Julio Monroy

Keywords: Floating breakwater; Ship waves; Erosion protection; Channel banks;

Abstract: Floating breakwaters were evaluated to determine their feasibility as wave energy reduction measures and, therefore, as barriers to reduce the erosion produced by ship generated waves on the channel banks. Ship wave generation and attenuation by floating breakwaters was evaluated. The secondary waves and the stern waves of small vessels can be attenuated significantly by floating breakwaters. Field measurements with an Acoustic Doppler Profiler and high resolution video were undertaken to obtain the maximum wave heights at the banks produced by different types of ships. Extreme stern wave heights produced by big vessels were estimated. The maximum wave heights measured at the banks were 80 cm and were generated by a tugboat. Floating breakwaters can attenuate these waves to significantly reduce the erosion of the banks or to reduce the dimension of the bank protection needed. Floating barriers with registered trademark were evaluated. The use of floating breakwaters for erosion protection of the Panama Canal banks is considered feasible. However, site performance tests for different systems should be carried out to determine the efficiency of specific systems of floating barriers in zones with critical erosion problems.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/38WC092019-1532

Year: 2019