Experimental study on the wave loads of twin-plate breakwater under oblique waves

In this study, systematic physical model tests were performed to investigate the wave forces on the twin-plate breakwater under irregular waves. Based on the experimental results, the effects of the relative plate width B/L, wave height H (s)/D and incident angle theta (0) on the wave forces were analyzed and discussed. The results showed that: (1) The envelopes of the total wave pressure were generally symmetrical along the direction of plate width under the incident angles (theta (0)) being 0A degrees, 15A degrees, 30A degrees, 45A degrees and 60A degrees. In particular, the envelopes of wave pressure at theta (0)=30A degrees were larger than all other cases. (2) The synchronous pressure distribution of the breakwater under oblique wave action was more complicated comparing to the normal incident waves. (3) Based on data analysis, an empirical formula was obtained to estimate the total vertical force of the twin-plate breakwater. This empirical formula can be a good reference for the design basis of engineering applications under specified wave conditions.