Shoreline behind a breakwater for wave energy absorption in Reggio Calabria: Comparison between theoretical models and experimental data

Abstract

This paper deals with models proposed for calculating the shoreline change behind a breakwater. In particular, models developed by Hsu and Silvester, McCormick, Gonzalez and Medina and Hsu et al. are discussed. Shoreline change behind a breakwater is estimated by these models. Results are compared with experimental data measured at the NOEL laboratory of Reggio Calabria, for a caisson breakwater for wave energy absorption made using nine cellular caissons in reinforced concrete. The structure is 16.2 m long and located in a 2 m water depth. Waves in the undisturbed wave field are measured at the same water depth, 20 m away from the structure, by means of two pressure transducers and two ultrasonic probes located on two piles of small diameter (0.05 m). Tide is measured by probes in the undisturbed wave field and by pressure transducers on the breakwater. © 2011 WIT Press.