Wave overtopping of vertical walls

Physical model studies have been completed to measure the overtopping characteristics of vertically faced seawalls. A range of wave conditions, water depths, approach bathymetries and seawall elevations were investigated during testing. Based on analysis of the results a design method has been proposed to enable the overtopping discharge for vertical walls to be estimated.

This study forms part of a continuing programme of research into the behaviour of seawalls being carried out at HR Wallingford with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under Commission FD0201, Marine Flood Protection, Sea Defence Structures.