Stability of breakwater defenced by a seaward submerged reef

Abstract

The stability of a uniformly sloped conventional rubble mound breakwater defenced by a seaward submerged reef is investigated using physical model studies. Regular waves of wide ranging heights and periods are used. Tests are carried out for different spacings between two rubble mound structures (X/d=2.5-13.33) and for different relative heights (h/d=0.625-0.833) and relative widths (B/d=0.25-1.33) of the reef. It is observed that a reef of width (B/d) of 0.6-0.75 constructed at a seaward distance (X/d) of 6.25-8.33 breaks all the incoming waves and dissipates energy and protects the breakwater optimally. 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.