Influence of reflection on the navigation conditions as a factor of breakwater design
E. Sánchez, M.A. Losada, O. Sánchez
28th International Conference on Coastal Engineering [julio 2002]

Internacionales

Abstract:
The main objective of a breakwater is to provide protection from wave action, thus creating an area of calm water for the access to docks mooring of boats and safe operation of the marina facilities. From the planning perspective, the key issues associated with either floating or fixed breakwaters are functional performance, cost, environmental impacts and aesthetics. In the last years, the classical rubble-mound breakwater used traditionally in the Mediterranean countries, is being changed to vertical breakwater with a lower cost and less environmental impact. However, wave reflection outside the harbour is increaesed and width and channel depth requirements for safe navigation may be different. In this paper, a method to evaluate the reflection and diffraction influence on the total wave and boat oscillation (heading, pitching and rolling) due to rubble mound and vertcial shore-connected breakwaters is proposed. Their influence on the plant and vertical navigation channel requirements is also evaluated and discussed as a factor of the breakwater design. Finally, the case of the Harbour of Motril (Spain) is shown.