Breaking Waves

A New Concept for Pile Supported

Skirt Breakwaters
Who Should Read this Paper?
This paper will be of interest to the ocean community, particularly those
with an interest in hydrodynamics and deep port development. While
the work covered in the paper represents a new concept, there are
considerable additional related studies that could be undertaken.

LAJU KOTTALIL

DR. V. SUNDAR

Why it is Important
This paper is important because it represents research on emerging types
of breakwaters for development of artificial harbours in water depths
greater than 15m. The hydrodynamic performance characteristics of pile
supported skirt breakwaters is investigated both experimentally and
analytically. Literature about performance of multiple rows of combined
systems of closely spaced piles and skirts is rather scanty, if not available.
The paper introduces a new concept for a breakwater, which is economical
and acceptable from an environmental point of view.
The concept has potential commercial applications in the development of
deep water ports, particularly where a multipurpose structure is required
for berthing, loading and unloading cargo. The concept may be suitable
at locations where scarcity of space exist inside the ports for the
creation of marinas and in locations where the soil is soft.
About the Authors
Laju Kottalil is senior lecturer in M.A. college of Engineering,
Kothamangalam, Kerala, India and has a civil engineering background.
He is presently pursuing his program in the Dept. of Ocean Engineering,
IIT Madras at Chennai, India.
Prof. V. Sundar is a specialist in wave structure interaction and coastal
engineering. He has 26 years of research and teaching experience and
has published several papers in leading journals.

DR. R. SUNDARAVADIVELU

Prof. R Sundaravadivelu is an expert in wave structure interaction and port

engineering. He has accumulated 24 years of research and teaching
experience and has published several papers in leading journals.

32 THE JOURNAL OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY Reviews & Papers

STUDIES ON PILE SUPPORTED DOUBLE SKIRT BREAKWATER MODELS

K. Laju*, V. Sundar**, R. Sundaravadivelu**

*Research Scholar, **Professor, Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai, India- 600 036.
E mail: lajukottalil@hotmail.com, vsundar@iitm.ac.in, rsun@iitm.ac.in

ABSTRACT
Large draft requirement for modern container ships and tankers demand for offshore berthing, for which, a pile supported
skirt breakwater is a promising concept. Compared to conventional types of breakwaters, this is environment friendly and
economical for locations where tidal fluctuations are large and soil conditions are poor. The basic concept of a pile
supported breakwater is to serve as an impervious barrier near the free surface where there is more water particle
movement while leaving the lower region unobstructed. The barriers are supported on closely spaced concrete or steel
piles. The barrier would consist of pre cast elements which are connected to the piles on site. This paper describes the
details of numerical and experimental studies on the hydrodynamic characteristics of this type of breakwater. The
numerical model is based on Eigen function expansion theory for linear waves. The model is used to study in detail the
inter-dependence of the various structural and flow parameters in dictating the hydrodynamic performance of the
breakwater type considered in the present study, in attenuating the incident wave energy. The numerical results are
compared with experimental results and the agreement in general is found to be good.

H i incident wave height

1. NOMENCLATURE

H r reflected wave height

Kr

coefficient of reflection

H t transmitted wave height

Kt

coefficient of transmission

velocity potential

Kl

coefficient of dissipation =

spacing between the pile rows

water depth

submergence of barrier

1 k r2 K t2

time in sec

horizontal coordinate

vertical coordinate

Re [ ] real part

h i submergence of i barrier

SWL still water level

wave length

angular frequency

wave number 2 / L

gravitational constant

th

wave height

Building with Boxes, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2007 33

Ii two dimensional velocity potential in i th region

th

xi

horizontal coordinate of i barrier

ai

opening beneath i barrier= d h i

th

porosity of the barrier

friction coefficient

type of breakwater is the rubble mound consisting of layers

which for deeper water applications become
uneconomical. In addition, in offshore locations with severe
wave climate, the construction of rubble mound

Cm added mass coefficient

s

are required to shelter these vessels. The most common

of graded stone with large concrete blocks as armor layer,

th

b i thickness of i barrier

berthing of vessels is considered. Offshore breakwaters

inertia coefficient = 1 C m 1 H  / H

G i permeability parameter of i barrier = H / f  is 

th

Iw incident wave potential

A im coefficients in Eigen function expansion

breakwater is not practical as the stones are easily carried

away by the waves. An alternative is concrete caissons,
which have inherent problems like scour and instability,
because of excessive reflections from its vertical face.
The vertical composite breakwater is a better option
in which a ruble mound dissipates the wave under normal

P 0 -ik
b

clear space between piles

conditions and a caisson wall provide additional protection

diameter of piles

at high tide. However, if the tidal current is large,

wave period in sec

construction of a composite breakwater will create a

kd product of wave number and water

depth = 2Sd / L

disturbance to the natural flow of water. Further,

conventional breakwaters cause environmental problems

R u wave run-up on the barrier

like siltation of channel and erosion in regions where littoral

H c height of oscillation of water in between the barriers

drift is predominant. Construction of a pile-supported

(oscillation at the centre of the chamber)

breakwater will allow the free passage of tidal currents with

H c /H i

non dimensional chamber oscillation

the least disturbance to the environment. At locations with

R u /H i

non dimensional run-up

soft soil and no hard stratum within reasonable depth, a

B/d

ratio of chamber width to water depth

pile supported breakwater can be an alternative.

h/d

submergence ratio

B/L

ratio of chamber width to wave length

Although, the disturbance due to waves is felt over

the entire depth, most of it is concentrated closer to the
free surface. Hence it would be sufficient to provide
barriers for attenuating the waves, only up to a certain

2. INTRODUCTION
The rapid development in trade and commerce,

depth below the mean water line instead of over the entire
depth. The efficiency of such structures depends on the

coupled with scientific advancement, have lead to the

depth of immersion, its type, whether permeable or

development of bigger vessels demanding larger draft. In

impermeable, the degree of desired tranquility, and the

locations where required draft is not available near the

wave characteristics. Closely spaced piles and submerged

shore or where capital dredging is expensive, offshore

skirts as an alternative for breakwaters have been tried in

34 THE JOURNAL OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY Reviews & Papers

the past. Pile breakwater consisting of closely spaced piles

coefficients to be used in the numerical model were

alone has been tried [Nagai 1966; Hayashi et al. 1968;

suggested. Gilman and Kriebel [1999] have described a

Abdul Khader and Rai 1981] in the past, but their

simple design procedure for a partial depth pile supported

performance was not very encouraging and driving of piles

wave barrier and claimed that such barriers are relatively

at very close proximity is practically difficult. Weele and

cheaper compared to conventional ruble mound

Herbich [1972] performed experiments on rows of piles to

breakwaters up to water depths of 20m. The

determine the reflection and transmission characteristics.

hydrodynamic performance characteristics of a quadrant

The coefficient of reflection was found to decrease with an

front face, pile supported breakwater have been reported

increase in longitudinal and transverse spacing between

by Sundar and Subba Rao [2003]. The dynamic pressures

piles. It was concluded that longitudinal spacing of piles is

of the front face due to both regular and random waves

of equal importance when compared with the transverse

have been measured. It was reported that the relative

direction with regard to reflection characteristics of pile

spacing between the piles adopted in their study does not

groups. Kakuno [1983] analysed wave reflection and

affect the coefficient of reflection ( K r ) significantly. The K r

transmission by an infinite array of vertical thin walls and

for the structure was found to vary between 0.25 and 0.85

both circular and rectangular cylinders as a boundary value

for regular wave tests, whereas, in the case of random

problem by applying the matched asymptotic expansions. It

wave tests, it varied from 0.3 to 0.7. Balaji and Sundar

was concluded that the reflection coefficient for the square

[2004] studied horizontal slotted wave screens with

cylinders is the largest and that for the thin walls is the

circular intercepting elements and compared experimental

smallest among the three types of walls that were

results with a numerical model based on Greens Identity

considered. Gardner et al. [1988] have reported their

formula. The effect of porosity and shape of the

studies on model tests of a slotted vertical screen

intercepting elements were investigated. Kriebel [2004], by

breakwater for a marina at Plymouth, England. The

comparing extensive experimental results on wave screens

reflection and transmission coefficients were measured for

with the results of a modified numerical model based on

single and double screens for which porosity was varied

Issacson et al. 1998], proposed design guidelines for a

between 8% and 35%. It is reported that a porosity of 8%

single wave barrier and suggested a modification to the

for a single and 16% for double screen gave acceptable

value of he friction parameter. Recently, Suh et al. [2006]

values of reflection and transmission coefficients. Issacson

conducted studies on the hydrodynamic characteristics of

et al. [1998; 1999] developed a numerical model on wave

pile-supported vertical wall breakwaters in regular and

interaction with partially submerged thin, single and double

random waves. The experimental results were compared

vertical slotted barriers. The numerical model was based

with results of a numerical model using the Eigen function

on the Eigen function expansion method which utilizes a

expansion method. The study of literature reveals that the

boundary condition at the barrier surface that accounts for

performance of a pile breakwater consisting of closely

energy dissipation within the barrier. Based on a

spaced piles alone is not very encouraging and driving the

comparison with experimental results, empirical

piles at very close proximity is practically difficult. The

Building with Boxes, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2007 35

combined effect of closely spaced piles together with a

driving of piles. Hence the skirt is eccentric to the centre

skirt, particularly the spacing between multiple rows and

line of pile rows whereas Suh et al. [2006] have

the effect of relative submergence of the skirts, have not

considered a monolithic assembly of rectangular piles and

been studied in detail and is an area that needs intense

a skirt where the skirt is of same thickness as that of piles

research.

and are concentric with centre line of pile row.

With this background, the pile supported skirt

breakwater model shown in Figure 1 consisting of an
impermeable wave barrier near the free surface, supported
on steel or concrete piles separated by a distance is taken
up for studies. The portion of the breakwater from the
bottom of the vertical barrier to the sea floor, and the
spacing between the piles allow the free passage of water
and marine life. The foot print of this type of breakwater on
the sea floor is small compared to that of rubble mound or
composite type. Hence, ships can approach them closer,
and berth on its lee side for loading and unloading
operations. The top of the pile supported skirt breakwater
can be used for loading/unloading or for the operation of

3. THEORETICAL FORMULATION AND ASSUMPTIONS

The structure considered in this study can be
idealized as four rows of parallel, thin vertical barriers along
their respective centre lines, separated by some distance.
The fluid-structure system and Cartesian coordinate
system are shown in Figure 2. The first and fourth rows
represent the skirts, and second and third rows represent
the pile rows. The spacing between the first and second
rows, as well as the spacing between third and fourth
rows, depends on the thickness and diameter of the skirt
and piles.

handling equipments.

Figure 2. Definition sketch sectional view of the domain.

A Cartesian coordinate system ( x, z ) is defined
Figure 1. Pile supported skirt breakwater.
The breakwater model considered herein is almost
similar to that of Suh et al. [2006] the difference being that
double row circular piles are considered and the relatively
thin skirt could be rigidly fixed to the pile row after the

36 THE JOURNAL OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY Reviews & Papers

perpendicular to the plane of the barriers, with the origin at

the seabed, mid-way between the barriers with B being the
spacing between the pile rows. The abscissa is horizontal,
measured positive in the direction of wave propagation and
z - axis is vertically upwards from the seabed. The seabed
is horizontal and water depth is d . In general, the barriers

extend downwards, a distance h i (where i = 1 to 4 ) below

the still water level, SWL. Waves are assumed to be

(a) Permeable Boundary Condition

The boundary condition along the permeable barriers

regular, small amplitude and normally incident on the

may be developed on the basis of the formulation of Sollit

structure. The wave height is H and angular frequency is

and Cross [1972] and as adopted by Yu [1995] for a thin

. The structure is assumed as rigid with negligible

vertical barrier extending to the seabed, which may be

deformations and the fluid is assumed incompressible,

expressed as

inviscid, and irrotational. Hence, the fluid motion can be

i i +1 Gi
=
= i (i i +1 )
bi
x
x

described by a velocity potential that satisfies the

Laplace equation within the fluid region. In addition, the

(4)
along x = xi for a z d

wave height is assumed sufficiently small for linear wave

theory to be valid. Under these assumptions, velocity

where b I is the barrier thickness and G I is a permeability

potential can be expressed as

parameter of I barrier, which is generally complex.

(x , z ,t ) = Re [C (x , z )exp ( it )]

th

(1)

Equation (4) corresponds to the fluid velocity normal to the

barrier being proportional to the pressure difference across

where

the barrier, with a complex constant of proportionality so

1
igH
C =

2 cosh (kd )

(2)

that the real part of G I corresponds to the resistance of the

barrier and the imaginary part of G I corresponds to the

Re [ ] denotes the real part of the argument,

i = 1 , t is time, k is the wave number, and g is

phase differences between the velocity and the pressure

due to inertial effects. Sollitt and Cross [1972] have defined

G I as

the gravitational constant. The fluid domain is

subdivided into five regions by the planes of the

Gi =

barriers, as shown in the earlier figure, and the two

where, is the porosity of the barrier, f is a friction

dimensional potential in equation (1) is denoted as

1, 2 5 in respective regions. The pressure

(and hence the velocity potential) and the horizontal
velocity are equated along the matching boundaries
(x = -x1, x = x2, x = x3, x = x4) within the fluid. The
conditions along the matching boundaries are thus

i = i +1;

(5)

coefficient and s is an inertia coefficient given by

s = 1+ C m

(1 )

(6)

in which, Cm is the added mass coefficient. The friction

coefficient f is treated as a constant and is assumed to be
known as per Yu [1995]. Since the porous medium
considered here is a fixed structure, contrary to the model

i i +1
=
x
x

conceived by Sollit and Cross [1972], the value of Cm is

(3)

along x = xi for 0 z a i

f is

equal to zero. The friction coefficient f varies with the

characteristics of the medium and a value of f = 2 has

where ai = d - h i .

Building with Boxes, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2007 37

Iw

been adopted as suggested by Issacson et al. [1998] for

cosh kz expikx 

(12)

porous barriers.

Also, m for m t 1 are the positive real roots of the

(b) Eigen Function Expansion
Expressions for

following equation, taken in an ascending order

I 1, I 2, ., I 5 which satisfy the

Pm d tanPmd  

seabed, free surface, and radiation conditions, as well as

Z 2d for m t 1

the above conditions along x = x i, may be developed in

(13)

terms of eight sets of coefficients A 1m, A 2m, A 3m, .., A 8m

o itself corresponds to the imaginary root of the above

which are initially unknown.

equation, such that 0 = - ik, with the wave number k

being given as the real root of the corresponding equation

I1 Iw  A1m cosPm z exp>Pm x  x 1 @ for x d -x1  (7)

m 0

kd tanhkd 

Z 2d

I2

A2m cos Pm z  exp> Pm x  x 1 @

(14)

Thus, each of the equations (7) to (11) represent the

m 0
f

(8)

 A3m cos Pm z  exp>Pm x  x 2 @

m 0

incident wave train combined with a superposition of a

propagating mode (m = 0) and a series of evanescent

for - x 1 d x d -x 2 

modes (m t 1) which decay with the distance away from

f

I3

the barrier. They satisfy all the relevant boundary

A4m cos Pm z  exp> Pm x  x 2 @

conditions, except that the conditions of pressure continuity

m 0
f

(9)

 A5m cos Pm z  exp>Pm x  x 3 @

along the matching boundary and the boundary condition

at the barrier surface are still needed to determine the

m 0

for - x 2 d x d x 3 

coefficients A 1m, A 2m, A 3m, .., A 8m .

For 0 t z t a I , the matching conditions expressed in

I4

A6m cosPm z exp> Pm x  x 3 @

Eq. (3) give rise to a set of eight equations for A 1m, A 2m, A

m 0
f

 A7m cosPm z exp>Pm x  x 4 @

(10)

, .., A 8m . Along the surface of the barriers, the boundary

3m

conditions expressed by equation (4) gives rise to an

m 0

for x 3 d x d x 4 

additional set of eight equations for a i d z d d. Each of the

sixteen equations is first multiplied by cos( n z ), then

I5

A8m cosPm z exp> Pm x  x 4 @

m 0

(11)

for x t x 4 

integrated with respect to z over the appropriate domain of

z (i.e. from z = 0 to a I , or from z = a i to d), and each pair
of resulting equations is then added to obtain eight sets of

Here Iw represents the incident wave potential which is

final equations for A i m. This give rise to a matrix equation

given as

for A 1m, A 2m, A 3m, .., A 8m as follows.

38 THE JOURNAL OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY Reviews & Papers

 (mn )
C11
m = 0
(mn )
C 21
m = 0
..
..

(mn )
C 71
m = 0

(mn )
C 81
m = 0

Each

Cijmn

(mn ) .. ..
C12

m =0

C (mn )

m =0

C 22(mn )

.. ..

..

.. ..

..

.. ..

C 72(mn )

.. ..

C 82(mn )

.. ..

m =0

m =0

m =0

17

C18(mn )

m =0

A b
(mn )
(mn ) 1m 1n
C
C
27 28 A2m b2n
m =0
m =0

..
.. .. ..
=
..
.. .. ..

(
(
mn )
mn ) A
C 77 C 78 7m b7n
m =0
m =0
A b

8m 8n
C 87(mn ) C 88(mn )
m =0
m =0

is a sub matrix whose elements are

m =0

(15)

Ocean Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras,

(IIT Madras), India. A view of the fabricated breakwater

coefficients of A i m in the finally formulated set of eight

model for the laboratory studies is shown in Photo 1. The

equations. Issacson et al. [1998; 1999] elaborate the

piles were modeled with 63mm PVC pipes and a skirt was

procedure.

modeled with 12mm thick marine plywood. The pipes and

plywood were fixed to a rigid steel frame made with

(c) Numerical Solution

50 mm angle section. The submergence of the skirt and

The matrix equation (15) is truncated to a finite

spacing between the pile rows were adjustable. The pipes

number of terms N, and thus becomes a complex matrix

were fixed at 1.33 times diameter D resulting in a porosity

equation of rank 8N that can be solved for the first N

described as = b / ( b + D ) = 25%, where b is the clear

unknown values of each set of coefficients A i m . The

space between pipes. The depth of submergence ( h ) of

transmission and reflection coefficients, denoted as

both the skirts was kept equal.

K t = H t / H i and K r = H r / H i respectively. Herein, H t , H r

and H i are the transmitted, reflected and incident wave
heights, respectively. These are given in terms of A 1m and
A 8m by K t = |A 80|, K r = |A 10|. The Energy dissipation
coefficient ( K l ) is given by K l = 1 K r2 K t2

4. EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION
The experiments pertaining to the present study were
carried out in a 2 m wide wave flume in the Department of

Photo 1. Pile supported skirt breakwater model.

Building with Boxes, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2007 39

Figure 3. Longitudinal section showing the position of the model and wave probes.
The salient details of the flume and the experimental

and 1.0 for a constant relative depth of submergence

setup are shown in Figure 3. The water depth (d ) was

h / d = 0.35. Additional tests were carried out for

maintained constant as 1 m through out the tests. The

h / d = 0.5 with B / d = 0.5. The tests covered a range of

tests were conducted with wave height (H ) of 10 cm,

kd (2d / L ) up to about 2.6. The spacing of piles in a row

15 cm, and 20 cm for periods (T ) ranging from 1.25 to

was kept constant at 1.33D centre to centre (where

2.25 sec with an interval of 0.25 sec. The time history of

b / D = 0.33 ), for all the tests, resulting in a porosity of

wave elevation at 6 locations along the flume was

25% beneath the impermeable skirt. The comparisons

measured with wave probes. First, three probes were kept

between the measured and numerical values of K r , K t ,

in front of the model at a distance more than the longest

and K l as a function of kd for a constant h / d of 0.35 for

wave length considered in the testing program. The wave

B / d = 0.5 and 1.0 are shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5,

transmission was measured by a probe kept at the rear

respectively. In general the comparisons were found to be

side of the model at a distance of about the longest wave

good. The K t in both cases progressively decreased with

length considered for testing purpose. The spacing

an increase in the kd. The K r in both cases initially

between the first three probes was adjusted for each of the

increased, followed by a decrease in its value with an

wave period so as to calculate the reflection coefficient by

increase in kd. A further increase in kd beyond 1.4 for B /

the three-probe method of Mansard and Funke [1980].

d = 0.5 and 1.0 for B / d = 1 lead to a continuous

The wave run-up and wave height within the chamber

increase in the K r . The trend in the variations of K r , K t ,

were measured by another pair of probes kept very close

and K l with kd for h / d = 0.5 and B / d = 0.5 shown in

to the front skirt and in between the skirts.

Figure 6 was found to be similar. This undulating trend in

the variations, absent in the case of the single skirt

5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

breakwater, to be discussed later, is due to the interaction

(and trapping) of wave energy with double skirts. The

Analytical and experimental studies have been carried

energy dissipation, K l increased with an increase in kd and

out for two rows of pile supported impermeable skirt

reached a maximum at kd, where, K r is minimum and

breakwater. The tests were done for two B / d ratios of 0.5

decreased thereafter with increasing kd values.

40 THE JOURNAL OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY Reviews & Papers

Figure 4. Comparison of experimental and numerical results on the variations of Kr , Kt ,and Kl for impermeable skirt for
B /d = 0.5 and h /d = 0.5.

Figure 5. Comparison of experimental and numerical results on the variations of Kr , Kt , and K l for impermeable
skirt for B /d = 1 and h / d = 0.35.

Building with Boxes, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2007 41

Figure 6. Comparison of experimental and numerical results on the variations of Kr , Kt , and K l for impermeable
skirt for B /d = 0.5 and h/d = 0.5.

The comparison of the experimental and the

h / d leads to a shift in the transition zone towards lower

numerical results on the variation of dimensionless wave

kd. Further, a comparison of the above two plots reveals

run-up, R u /Hi , (where, H i is the incident wave height) with

that the wave oscillations in between the skirts are higher

kd for different B / d and h / d projected in Figure 7 is

for lesser wave run-up. This is because longer waves, that

found to exhibit a reasonable comparison. It is observed

is, lesser kd travel past the first skirt without being

that the trend in the variation of run-up with kd is similar to

dissipated thereby resulting in an increase in the wave

the variation of K r with kd as discussed earlier. A similar

oscillations within the skirts. Furthermore, the portion of

comparison on the variation of dimensionless oscillation

energy of the longer waves, traveling past the first skirt,

H c / H I between the skirts (where H c is the height of water

without being obstructed, distribute their energy vertically

oscillation in the interspaces) with kd for different B / d and

over the region immediately behind the first skirt forming

h / d shown in Figure 8 is found to again show a

turbulence and smaller waves, These waves reflected from

reasonable comparison. In general, for low values of kd,

the second skirt are re reflected and get trapped between

the wave height ratio, H c / H I is found to be close to unity

the skirts, forming a standing wave when conditions are

and, as kd increases. This ratio initially increases with an

favorable, resulting in increased wave oscillations within

increase in the kd and was found to decrease with a

the skirts. When the phases of the standing wave and

further increase in kd. This is similar to observations for the

incident wave become exactly opposite, a reduction of R u

different B / d and h / d. Further, an increase in the B / d or

and K r occurs.

42 THE JOURNAL OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY Reviews & Papers

Figure 7. Comparison of experimental and numerical results on the variation of wave Run-up with kd.

Figure 8. Comparison of experimental and numerical results on the variation of wave oscillation in between the
skirts with kd.

The foregoing discussion of the results has clearly

the thickness of the barrier is 14.3 cm whereas the relative

demonstrated the validity of the present numerical model.

clear spacing of the piles, b / D. is 1.0. The theoretical

A comparison of the variation of K t and K r with kd from

results of Suh et al. [2006] are also superposed in the

present numerical model with the experimental results of

corresponding plots. The results demonstrate a reasonable

Suh et al. [2006] for h / d = 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 are shown in

comparison for kd greater than about 0.8. For kd less than

Figure 9. The depth of water considered herein is 2.4 m,

0.8, the numerical model of Suh et al. [2006] is found to

Building with Boxes, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2007 43

over predict the K r and under predicts the K t. This trend in

properly represent the permeability parameter for lower

the variation of K t and K r with kd could be due to the

values of kd as stated by these investigators in their

inability of the numerical model of Suh et al. [2006] to

findings.

Figure 9. Comparison of single row pile supported skirt model with results of Suh et al. [2006] (symbols and
thin lines are experimental and numerical result reported by Suh et al. Thick lines are the result of the present
numerical model).

Figure 10. Different configurations of double row breakwaters.

44 THE JOURNAL OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY Reviews & Papers

The validation of the present numerical model was

drastically increases with an increase in kd beyond 1.2,

followed up with a parametric study to investigate the

with its peak occurring at the same value of kd for which

hydrodynamic performance characteristics of the pile

the K r was the least as stated earlier. The variation of

supported double skirt breakwater in the form of K r and K t

H c / H I for case 3 for kd greater than 1.5 is less compared

as a function of kd. Three different configurations namely

to that for the other two models.

skirt alone (case 1), piles alone (case 2), and pile supported

The variation in K t with kd for the three cases

skirt (case 3) as shown in Figure 10 were considered for

considered shows that K t is least for the case 3 (skirt and

the study. A comparison of the hydrodynamic performance

pile). For a breakwater to be efficient, the most important

characteristics of these three configurations by

criterion of the least K t is thus fulfilled for this type of

superposing the variations of H c / H i, K r and K t with kd for

configuration, showing the advantage of pile-supported

the respective configurations for B / d = 0.5 and

skirt breakwater over a pile breakwater and a skirt

h / d = 0.5 and b / D = 0.33 is brought out in Figure 11. It

breakwater. The skirt breakwater is almost transparent for

is seen from the results that the variation in K r for case 1

long period waves with kd less than 1.5. The contribution

and case 2 for kd up to about 1.3 is marginal, although,

of the closely spaced piles towards reducing the

case 3 experiences slightly higher K r. This is mainly

transmission of long waves is found to be significant. The

because of two factors; energy distribution in longer waves

pile-supported skirt breakwater is effective in controlling

is effective up to the bottom and the case 1 model does

the transmission of waves over the entire range of kd

not obstruct the flow beneath the skirt while the case 2

values and waves can be reduced to less than 50% for

model allows transmission of energy over the entire depth

short period waves with kd greater than one. The

through the space between the piles. For the case 3

performance of both the skirt breakwater and the pile

structure, the energy transmission in the top region is

supported skirt breakwater are identical for kd greater than

completely curtailed by the skirt and flow beneath the skirt

two, as the energy distribution beneath the skirt becomes

is not free as in case 1 due to the presence of closely

less, the contribution of the piles become insignificant.

spaced piles. For kd greater than 1.3, the model with piles

The variations of K r and K t with kd for the breakwater

alone (case 2) is found to experience the least K r due to

with a pair of skirts of identical depths of submergence for

the absence of any solid obstruction to reflect the incident

B / d = 0.5 and b / D = 0.33 are shown in Figure 12. An

waves, near the top, where wave energy is concentrated

increase in the depth of submergence leads to a reduction

for medium/shorter waves. The H c / H i for case 2 is

in K t, with the rate of decrease being less for kd less than

almost unity for kd less than two, beyond which the

1.1 and significant for kd greater than 1.1. For kd greater

variation is found to be marginal, indicating the absence of

than 1.3, K r increases and K t decreases drastically with an

any trapped waves between the pile rows. The Hc / Hi for

increase in h / d.

case 1 and case 3 are identical and is more than that for

The studies on the wave transmission characteristics

case 2, for kd less thn 1.15. The H c / Hi for case 3

of a double skirt of the same length were followed with

decreases for kd greater than 1.2, whereas, for case 1, it

skirts of unequal lengths. The initial studies were carried

Building with Boxes, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2007 45

out with the relative submerged depth of the leeside skirt,

h 1 / d , whereas, the variation in K t is not affected much.

h 2 / d being maintained constant as 0.5, whereas, the

The value for kd for which K r is minimum decreases as

relative submerged depth of the seaside skirt, h 1 / d was

h 1 / d increases. The reduction in h 1 / d allows the

varied from 0.1 to 0.5 in steps of 0.1. For the above

penetration of the waves past the seaside skirt, resulting in

conditions, the variations of K r and K t with kd are shown in

increased chamber oscillations. The variations of the H c / H

Figure 13 (a), whereas, the variations of H c / H i and K l

with kd are shown in Figure 13 (b). It is to be mentioned

in H c / H i with an increase in h 1 / d leads to lesser K l

that the K r and K t is for the structure as a whole. It is seen

showing that the dissipation would be less, thus giving rise

that the effect of h 1 / d on K r and K t is insignificant for kd

to increased K r for higher h 1 / d. The foregoing discussion

less than about 1.0 due to the fact that herein, both the

reveals that shallower seaside skirt and a deeper leeside

skirts offer attenuation to long period waves. For kd greater

skirt would be a good proposition.

and the loss coefficient, K l clearly shows that a decrease

than about one, the K r increases with an increase in

Figure. 11. Comparison of the hydrodynamic performance of three types of double row of breakwaters.

Figure 12. Effect of submergence of impermeable skirts for B / d = 0.5 and b /D = 0.33.

46 THE JOURNAL OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY Reviews & Papers

Figure 13 (a). Effect of submergence of impermeable front skirt for B / d = 1, h 2 / d = 0.5 and b / D = 0.33.

Figure 13 (b). Effect of submergence of impermeable front skirt for B / d = 1, h 2 / d = 0.5 and b / D = 0.33.

The studies were further extended for the case of the

the parameters, K r, K t, K l and H c / H i are significantly

relative submerged depth of the seaside skirt, h 1 / d ,

affected by the variation in thedepth of submergence of the

being maintained constant as 0.5, whereas the relative

rear skirt.

submerged depth of the leeside skirt, h 2 / d was varied

In order to understand the effect of the relative

from 0.1 to 0.5 in steps of 0.1. For the above conditions,

chamber width, B / L of the twin skirts of same length, the

the variations of K r and K t with kd are shown in Figure

variations of K r and K t as a function of B / L for kd varying

14 (a), whereas, the variations of H c / H i and K l with kd

between 0.5 and 3.0 in steps of 0.5 for h / d = 0.2 and

are shown in Figure 14 (b). The results show that none of

0.5 are projected in Figure 15 (a) and Figure 15 (b),

Building with Boxes, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2007 47

respectively. It is observed that irrespective of value of kd,

around 0.33 to achieve the maximum advantage of the

and h / d the K t is found to be a minimum when B / L is

double skirt breakwater in attenuating the incident waves.

near 0.33. The propagation of higher frequency waves

An Increase in the h / d, however, leads to a substantial

presumably get reflected within the skirts in the case of

decrease in the K t while the K r is observed to increase

higher kd leading to an increase in the K r and a decrease

drastically.

in K t.. The results suggest that the favorable B / L could be

Figure 14 (a). Effect of submergence of rear impermeable on K r and K t with B / d = 1, h1 / d = 0.5 and b / D = 0.33.

Figure 14 (b). Effect of submergence of rear impermeable skirt on H c and K l with B / d = 1, h1 / d = 0.5 and
b / D = 0.33.

48 THE JOURNAL OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY Reviews & Papers

Figure 15 (a). Effect of chamber width of equal impermeable skirt on K r and K t for h / d = 0.2.

Figure 15 (b). Effect of chamber width of equal impermeable skirt on K r and K t for h / d = 0.5.
The effect of porosity of the seaside skirt in the

than one. The influence of porosity on reflection is reduced

presence of an impermeable leeside skirt, on the variations

with an increase in porosity. For the above said

of K t and K r are shown in Figure 16 (a). While, the K r is

configuration, the run-up on the sea side skirt and

found to decrease with an increase in the porosity, the K t

chamber oscillations as a function of kd are shown in

is found to marginally increase, particularly for kd greater

Figure 16 (b). It is observed that run-up is governed by

Building with Boxes, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2007 49

reflection characteristics of the sea side skirt as seen in the

increases with an increase in porosity. However, the

earlier figure. Further, as run-up is more for lesser porosity,

reduction in run-up is more significant than the increase in

the transmission past the seaside skirt will be less resulting

chamber oscillations. For kd less than 0.9, the effect of

in a reduction in chamber oscillations as porosity

porosity on run-up or chamber oscillations is negligible.

decreases. The run-up decreases and chamber oscillation

Figure 16 (a). Effect of porosity of front skirt on K r and K t with impermeable rear skirt of equal submergence of
h / d = 0.5 for B / d = 1.

Figure 16 (b). Effect of porosity of front skirt on run-up Ru and Chamber oscillations Hc with impermeable rear skirt
of equal submergence of h / d = 0.5 for B / d = 1.

50 THE JOURNAL OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY Reviews & Papers

Figure 17 (a). Effect of chamber width and porosity on K r and K t for equal skirts of h / d = 0.35 and kd = 1.21.

Figure 17 (b). Effect of chamber width and porosity on Ru and Hc for equal skirts of h/d = 0.35 and kd = 1.21.
In order to understand the effect of porosity and

function of B / L for porosity varying between 0% and 20%

chamber width of the twin skirts of same length, the

for a particular kd = 1.21 are projected in Figure 17 (a)

variations of K r , K t run-up, and chamber oscillation as a

and Figure 17 (b), respectively. The K r decreases and K t

Building with Boxes, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2007 51

increases with an increase in porosity. However, the

REFERENCES

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hydraulic Research, XIX Congress, New Delhi, pp.

93-102.

6. CONCLUSIONS

Balaji, R., and Sundar,V., 2004 Theoretical and

experimental investigation on the wave

The numerical model of a skirt breakwater supported

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