Wave kinematics inside homogeneous submerged rubble-mound breakwater

Abstract

Breakwaters are important for the preservation and development of coastal areas. Submerged breakwaters have significant advantages compared to emerged, such as economical construction and preservation, milder effect on landscape and under conditions, preservation of marine flora and fauna inside it. The main objective of this study is to give estimation about whether a homogeneous rubble-mound submerged breakwater could attract and preserve marine life inside it. This would be determined by measuring the water flow and thus oxygen adequacy inside such a structure. This research has been performed by means of a physical model. Three variables are considered in this study: • wave period • wave height • submergence factor For different variations of the parameters, pressure gradients and pore velocities inside the breakwater are being measured. In the analysis of the data collected from the measurements, the impact of the varying variables is investigated leading to useful conclusions and better understanding of the entire process. Finally, suggestions of further research on this topic are discussed.