Experimental investigation on non-breaking wave forces and overtopping at the recurved parapets of vertical breakwaters
This paper aims at investigating the intensity of the load applied by non-breaking waves on the recurved parapet wall of vertical breakwaters. For this purpose, 2-D experiments were carried out on a simple vertical breakwater physical model with four different geometries of the parapet (with an “exit angle” of recurve of 0° 45° 60° and 90°), under both regular and irregular waves. The tests showed the presence of loads of a quasi-static nature and loads with a typical church roof impulsive behaviour, depending on the (non breaking) wave characteristics and on the shape of the parapet.