Peak Dynamic Pressure on Semi- and Quarter-Circular Breakwaters Under Wave Troughs

A series of physical tests are conducted to examine the characteristics of the wave loading exerted on circular-front breakwaters by regular waves. It is found that the wave trough instead of wave crest plays a major role in the failure of submerged circular caissons due to seaward sliding. The difference in the behavior of seaward and shoreward horizontal wave forces is explained based on the variations of dynamic pressure with wave parameters. A wave load model is proposed based on a modified first-order solution for the dynamic pressure on submerged circular-front caissons under a wave trough. This wave loading model is very useful for engineering design. Further studies are needed to include model uncertainties in the reliability assessment of the breakwater.     

Earth Pressure on Caissons in Marine Clay Under Cyclic Loading

Coastal protection is proposed to be made out of a contiguous caisson type of wall. These caissons can be designed to resist both lateral static and cyclic loading. With adequate depth of embedment, the walls can be designed to offer significant lateral passive resistance to counteract the lateral static and cyclic loading arising out of wave action. This article describes a set of laboratory tests on model caissons embedded into soft marine clay with different embedment depths. Specially designed earth pressure cells are embedded into the caisson at different depths. A pneumatic system was used to apply lateral static and cyclic loading. Test beds were prepared conforming to soft clay conditions in a test tank of appropriate size. The test results reveal that with this type of arrangement the variation in earth pressure with depth can be conveniently established. The earth pressure developed is related to the lateral load applied. The depth at which the maximum earth pressure occurs is same for both static and cyclic loading. Further, under cyclic loading there is no failure encountered even under cyclic loading level corresponding to 0.9 times the ultimate static lateral capacity.     

Wave actions on the side caissons of the Venice gates

The present study originates from a construction problem found in the planned deployment of the side caissons of the Venice gates barrier. Each of these caissons is made to float, then sunk into a lateral trench and jointed to the soil at its bottom. As a result, a C-shaped channel forms between the vertical caisson surfaces and the surrounding trench. Incoming storm waves propagating from the sea can then induce forced oscillations in this C-channel. An analytical model based on the method of matched asymptotics is developed in order to obtain the free surface oscillations in the channel, caused by a grazing incident wave. The resonant response of the basin and the amplification factors are then determined. From the free surface elevation, the pressure field and hence the total forces are also found. The analysis moves on to irregular wave motion. The analytical solution enables us to compute the dynamic actions, showing that their magnitude can be significant, due to the excitation of different resonant modes.     

多消浪室开孔沉箱消浪特性的数值模拟研究

本文基于雷诺平均的Navier-Stokes方程和k-ε模型求解湍流流动,采用流体体积法(Volume of Fluid,VOF)追踪自由表面运动,建立无反射波浪数值水槽,对多消浪室开孔沉箱的消浪特性进行数值模拟研究。将单消浪室和多消浪室开孔沉箱反射系数和结构前波面分布的数值分析结果与物理模型试验结果进行对比验证,两者符合良好。利用数值算例,研究多消浪室开孔沉箱的反射特性以及开孔结构附近的速度场和湍流强度分布。分析结果表明:波浪与开孔沉箱相互作用时,涡旋和湍动主要分布在开孔墙和消浪室内部自由表面附近;与单消浪室开孔沉箱相比,多消浪室开孔沉箱可以更有效的耗散波浪能量,降低结构的反射系数。本文分析结果可为开孔沉箱结构的工程设计提供参考依据。     

Cross-shore mean flow in the surf zone

The seaward mean returnflow or undertow in the surf zone, which compensates for the shoreward mass flux above the wave trough level, is found to be driven by the force imbalance between the wave momentum flux on the one hand and the set-up on the other hand, in qualitative agreement with the model of Dyhr-Nielsen and Sørensen (1970). A model, which quantifies this imbalance, is shown to yield theoretical results in good accordance with experiments when the proper boundary conditions are accounted for.     

Interaction of oblique waves with infinite number of perforated caissons

An analytic solution based on the division of the fluid domain is developed for the interaction of obliquely incident waves with infinite number of perforated caissons. The whole fluid domain is firstly divided into infinite sub-domains according to the division of structures, and subsequently eigenfunction expansion is employed to represent the velocity potential in each domain. A phase relation is utilized for the analysis of wave oscillation in each caisson, and the character of structure geometry is considered in setting up the mathematical model of reflection waves. The reflection waves from the present analysis include many propagation waves traveling in different directions when the incident wave frequency is high. Benchmark examinations show that the continuous condition of water particle velocity is satisfied at the front walls of caissons, and the reflection coefficients keep agreement with the energy conservation relation very well when porous effect parameter is infinite. Numerical results show that the reflection coefficients of obliquely incident waves are smaller when the length of caissons is shorter at low frequency. The wave reflection coefficients and the wave forces normal to caissons decrease and the wave forces along caissons increase with the increase of the wave incident angle.     

开孔沉箱在斜向入射波作用下受力研究

应用透空壁内流体速度与壁两侧的压力差成正比的线性模型,研究了斜向波与无限多个开孔沉箱的相互作用.依照结构物的几何形状,把整个流域分成无限多个子域,在每个子域内应用特征函数展开法对速度势进行展开.对于沉箱内的波浪运动,引入相位差概念;在构造反射波模型时,考虑了结构物的几何形状影响.列举出物理模型实验结果与数值实验结果的比较,可以看出两者吻合较好.进一步的数值计算验证表明,当孔隙系数无限大时,开孔墙前后的速度非常接近.在低频入射波作用下,垂直于沉箱的水平力随角度的变大而减小,平行于沉箱排列方向的力则变大.     

基于SPH方法的开孔沉箱比尺效应研究

由于在前壁上设置了尺寸较小的孔,开孔沉箱受流体黏性力作用显著,依照弗劳德数相似准则设计模型存在比尺效应。为揭示比尺效应,建立了模拟波浪与开孔沉箱相互作用的光滑粒子流体动力学(SPH)模型。其中流体运动由连续性方程和Navier-Stokes方程控制,固壁边界由改进的动力边界粒子施加。模型收敛性通过分析不同粒子分辨率下的波浪反射系数得到,模型精度通过比较计算与理论波浪反射系数证明。使用经过验证的SPH模型,计算并比较了不同几何比尺和开孔率下开孔沉箱附近的涡量场、箱体外侧的波面时程曲线和波浪反射系数。结果表明,随着模型几何比尺的减小,开孔沉箱受到偏大的流体黏性力,致使更多波能在湍流运动中耗散,进而减小了波浪反射系数并降低了箱体外侧的波面高度。     

不规则波作用下大尺度方形群墩结构的相互影响

本文用谱分析方法对方柱群墩结构在不规则波作用下的相互影响进行了计算。研究了在不同入射波向时每个方墩的群墩影响系数随墩距变化的规律并与折算圆墩的结果进行了比较。入射波谱采用Ｂｒｅｔｓｃｈｎｅｉｄｅｒ谱。计算结果表明方柱墩群与折算圆柱墩群的群墩影响系数较为接近且随着墩间距的增加趋近于孤立墩情形。     

The phase difference effects on 3-D structure of wave pressure acting on a composite breakwater

In designing the coastal structures, the accurate estimation of the wave forces on them is of great importance. In this paper, the influences of the phase difference on wave pressure acting on a composite breakwater installed in the three-dimensional (3-D) wave field are studied numerically. We extend the earlier model [Hur, D.S., Mizutani, N., 2003. Coastal Engineering 47, 329–345] to simulate 3-D wave fields by introducing 3-D Navier–Stokes solver with the Smagorinsky's sub-grid scale (SGS) model. For the validation of the model, the wave field around a 3-D asymmetrical structure installed on a submerged breakwater, in which the complex wave deformations generate, is simulated, and the numerical solutions are compared to the experimental data reported by Hur, Mizutani, Kim [2004. Coastal Engineering (51, 407–420)]. The model is then adopted to investigate 3-D characteristics of wave pressure and force on a caisson of composite breakwater, and the numerical solutions were discussed with respect to the phase difference between harbor and seaward sides induced by the transmitted wave through the rubble mound or the diffraction. The numerical results reveal that wave forces acting on the composite breakwater are significantly different at each cross-section under influence of wave diffraction that is important parameter on 3-D wave interaction with coastal structures.     

Model tests on installation and extraction of suction caissons in dense sand

A series of model tests were performed on steel- and Perspex-made suction caissons in saturated dense marine sand to explore installation and extraction behaviors. The extractions of the caisson were conducted by applying monotonic loading or by pumping water into the caisson. Responses of suction caissons to pullout rates, aspect ratios, and extraction manners were examined. Test results show that a cone-shaped subsidence region occurs around the suction caisson during the suction-assisted installation. The pullout bearing capacity of the suction caisson in sand is dominated by the loading rate and the loading manner. For the suction caisson subjected to monotonic loading, the maximum bearing capacity is reached at the pullout rate of about 20.0?mm/s. The mobilized vertical displacement corresponding to the pullout capacity increases with increasing the pullout rate. The passive suction beneath the suction caisson lid reaches the maximum value when the pullout bearing capacity is mobilized. In addition, during the suction caisson extracted by pumping water into the caisson, the maximum pore water pressure in the caisson is obtained under the displacement of approximately 0.04 times the caisson diameter. The absolute values of the maximum pore water pressures for the suction caissons approximately equal those of the maximum vertical resistances at the monotonic pullout rate of 5 mm/s. When the vertical displacements of the suction caissons with the aspect ratio of 1.0 and 2.0 reach 0.92 and 1.77 times the caisson diameter, respectively, the seepage failure occurs around the caissons. Using a scaling method, the test results can be used to predict the time length required for the prototype suction caisson to be extracted from the seabed.     

RANS modelling applied to random wave interaction with submerged permeable structures

This paper is the second part of the work presented by Garcia et al. [Garcia, N., Lara, J.L., Losada, I.J., 2004. 2-D numerical analysis of near-field flow at low-crested breakwaters. Coastal Engineering 51 (10), 991–1020]. In the mentioned paper, flow conditions at low-crested rubble-mound breakwaters under regular wave attack were examined, using a combination of measured data of free surface, bottom pressure and fluid velocities from small-scale experiments and numerical results provided by a VOF-type model (COBRAS) based on the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations. This paper demonstrates the capability of the COBRAS model to reproduce irregular wave interaction with submerged permeable breakwaters. Data provided by the numerical model are compared to experimental data of laboratory tests, and the main processes of wave–structure interaction are examined using both experimental and numerical results. The numerical model validation is carried out in two steps. First, the procedure of irregular wave generation is verified to work properly, comparing experimental and numerical data of different cases of irregular wave trains propagating over a flat bottom. Next, the validation of the numerical model for wave interaction with submerged rubble-mound breakwaters is performed through the simulation of small-scale laboratory tests on different incident wave spectra. Results show that the numerical model adequately reproduces the main aspects of the interaction of random waves with submerged porous breakwaters, especially the spectral energy decay at the structure and the spectrum broadening past the structure. The simulations give good results in terms of height envelopes, mean level, spectral shape, root-mean-square height for both free surface displacement and dynamic pressure inside the breakwater. Moreover, large-scale simulations have been conducted, on both regular and irregular incident wave conditions. The overall pattern of the wave interaction with a large-scale submerged breakwater is adequately reproduced by the numerical model. The processes of wave reflection, shoaling and breaking are correctly captured. The good results achieved at a near prototype scale are promising regarding the use of the numerical model for design purposes.     

Computation of wave transmission over a shore protecting submerged breakwater

Among the offshore breakwaters which are increasingly used in shore protection projects, a bevelled block submerged breakwater with 1 on 1.67 seaward slope and a vertical shoreward face is most advantageous, especially from the point of view of optimum wave damping, minimum wave reflection and maximum sand trapping effects. Different computational methods of wave transmission coefficient of this breakwater are examined with laboratory tests. The Goda's method is found to be the simplest and most suitable in the case of the shore protecting submerged breakwater. However, the consideration of wave steepness also, in selecting the constants may yield better results with this method.     

An experimental model application of wavescreen: Dynamic pressure, water particle velocity, and wave measurements

This paper analyses the results of an application of a piled wavescreen. Experimental measurements were undertaken in the laboratory conditions for a given structural configuration under the attack of regular and irregular waves. Dynamic pressure distribution along and around the inclined piles was obtained employing pressure transducers. Using these data, in-line dynamic wave forces acting on piles were also determined. Water particle (orbital) velocities were measured at seaward and landward of the wavescreen using two acoustic Doppler velocimeters (ADV) simultaneously. Furthermore, wave data were collected using resistance type wave gauges at the seaward and landward of the structure. Based on those data, wave attenuation performance of the wavescreen was explored for two different depth values. Findings showed that piled wavescreen can provide effective shore protection as an environmentally friendly coastal structure.     

2D Wave setup behind submerged breakwaters

In addition to reducing the incoming wave energy, submerged breakwaters also cause a setup of the sea level in the protected area, which is relevant to the whole shadow zone circulation, including alongshore currents and seaward flows through the gaps. This study examines such a leading hydraulic parameter under the simplified hypothesis of 2D motion and presents a prediction model that has been validated by a wide ensemble of experimental data. Starting from an approach originally proposed by Dalrymple and Dean [(1971). Piling-up behind low and submerged permeable breakwaters. Discussion note on Diskin et al. (1970). Journal of Waterways and Harbors Division WW2, 423–427], the model splits the rise of the mean water level into two contributions: one is due to the momentum flux release forced by wave breaking on the structure, and the other is associated with the mass transport process. For the first time, the case of random wave trains has been explicitly considered.     

Response of skirted suction caissons to monotonic lateral loading in saturated medium sand

Monotonic lateral load model tests were carried out on steel skirted suction caissons embedded in the saturated medium sand to study the bearing capacity. A three-dimensional continuum finite element model was developed with Z_SOIL software. The numerical model was calibrated against experimental results. Soil deformation and earth pressures on skirted caissons were investigated by using the finite element model to extend the model tests. It shows that the ＂skirted＂ structure can significantly increase the lateral capacity and limit the deflection, especially suitable for offshore wind turbines, compared with regular suction caissons without the ＂skirted＂ at the same load level. In addition, appropriate determination of rotation centers plays a crucial role in calculating the lateral capacity by using the analytical method. It was also found that the rotation center is related to dimensions of skirted suction caissons and loading process, i.e. the rotation center moves upwards with the increase of the ＂skirted＂ width and length; moreover, the rotation center moves downwards with the increase of loading and keeps constant when all the sand along the caisson＇s wall yields. It is so complex that we cannot simply determine its position like the regular suction caisson commonly with a specified position to the length ratio of the caisson.     

Accumulated Rotation of A Modified Suction Caisson and Soil Deformation Induced by Cyclic Loading

Modified suction caissons (MSCs) acting as offshore wind turbine foundations will generate the accumulated rotation under cyclic loading resulted from waves. The accumulated rotation and the range of soil deformation around the MSC under long-term cyclic wave loading were studied using 3-D numerical simulations. The Morison equation was adopted to calculate the wave loadings. It was found that the MSC accumulated rotation increases linearly with the increase of the logarithm of cyclic number. The normalized expression was proposed to reflect the relationship between the accumulated rotation and cyclic number. The soil deformation range around the MSC increases when increasing the cyclic number and loading amplitude. It can also be concluded that the accumulated rotation increases rapidly with this change of excess pore pressure in the first 4000 cycles. The responses of the MSC to wave and wind loads were also investigated. Results show that the accumulated rotation of the MSC under both wave and wind loadings is larger than that under the wave loading only.     

Analysis on pore pressure in an anisotropic seabed in the vicinity of a caisson

This paper presents an analysis of pore pressure around a caisson-type breakwater subjected to dynamic wave loading. Unlike previous investigations for wave-seabed-caisson interaction, cross-anisotropic soil behaviour is considered in this paper. Based on a linear poro-elastic theory, a finite element model is developed. A parametric study related to the effects of wave parameters, soil characteristics and geometry of caisson and rubble mound base on the pore pressure around a caisson is performed. The numerical results indicate that the effects of anisotropic soil behaviour on the wave-induced pore pressure in a sandy bed beneath a caisson are not negligible.     

Undrained Bearing Capacity of Suction Caissons for Offshore Wind Turbine Foundations by Numerical Limit Analysis

Determining the ultimate capacity of suction caissons in response to combined vertical, horizontal, and moment loading is essential for their design as foundations for offshore wind turbines. However, the method implemented for stability analysis is quite limited. Numerical limit analysis has an advantage over traditional limit equilibrium methods and nonlinear finite element methods in this case because upper and lower bounds can be achieved to ensure that the exact ultimate capacity of the caisson falls within the appropriate range. This article presents theories related to numerical limit analysis. Simulations are conducted for centrifuge model tests, the findings of which reveal the ability of numerical limit analysis to deal with the inclined pullout capacity of suction caissons. Finally, this article proposes an estimation of the ultimate capacity of a 3.5 MW offshore wind turbine foundation on normally consolidated clay based on the typical environmental parameters of Bothkennar, Scotland. Undrained failure envelopes and safety factors are obtained for suction caissons with different embedment ratios. Failure mechanisms, plastic zones, clay stress distributions, and the influence of the skin friction coefficients of caissons are discussed in detail.