Experimental investigation of the wave force on the caisson according to different coverage of armor units

Abstract

This study experimentally investigated the change of wave force on front wall of the caisson according to different coverage of Tetrapods. Physical experiments were conducted in a two-dimensional wave flume by generating regular waves of different heights and periods by changing the coverage rate of Tetrapods that are placed in front of the caisson model. The front wall of the caisson model was composed of a number of segments to measure the local wave force at different elevations independently. The measurement was carried out by using uni-axial load cells and pressure transducers as well. The measured wave forces were compared with the estimates of Goda’s formula. It was clarified that the wave force on partially-covered caisson is significantly greater than Goda’s formula, especially around top sections of the caisson, probably due to occurrence of impulsive wave loading on the structure.