Decision Support Method for the Initial Selection of a Breakwater Alternative in Dutch Inland Waterway

Abstract

Many breakwater projects start with the selection phase which consists of the consideration of alternatives. These breakwaters are required to protect ports, banks and habitat areas from significant wave action. Moreover, upcoming Design & Construct contracts drive contractors to perform the consideration of alternatives and design themselves. Therefore, knowledge about the design of breakwaters is highly preferred in those cases. This leads to less of outsourced work and reduction in engineering time. In 2013, contractor Hakkers designed and constructed a small-scale breakwater in IJburg, Amsterdam. The constructed breakwater was built in inland waterways where the magnitude of the boundary conditions are limited (for example, small water depth and wave heights). Compared to coastal areas with more significant boundary conditions, this leads to less detailed structures without crown wall or multi-layers, to breakwaters with smaller dimensions and to other breakwater alternatives (for example, synthetic and reef breakwater). The goal was to develop a comprehensive method for a quick selection of a breakwater alternative in Dutch inland waterways. The method had to provide knowledge about breakwater designs and support a factual assessment of breakwater alternatives. Furthermore, the EMVI (Economical Most Beneficial Registration) tender approach would be included as well, since it is more frequently applied to civil engineering projects. This implies that the focus is on an effective breakwater and an efficient design procedure.