Experimental Study on Wave Overtopping Force before a Vertical Breakwater

On the breast wall of a vertical breakwater, the measured wave forces have large deviations from the calculated values according to the current standard as a result of overtopping. In order to explore the reason of this deviation, the wave forces on vertical breast wall with overtopping have been measured through physical model test. By comparing and analyzing the measured values and normal calculated values, we discussed the influence of water depth and the amount of overtopping. The distribution of wave pressure under different wave conditions is also tested by force sensors placed in the wave ward of the vertical breakwater. The test results show that the difference of two wave forces gets greater along with the increase of water depth and the height of overtopping. The main factors for the overtopping wave force are water depth and the amount of overtopping in contrast to period. Finally, we provide some suggestions about the optimization of design as a reference for the design of vertical breakwater according to the result of physical model test.