Equivalence Between Regular and Irregular Waves in Movable-Bed Models

by Jimmy E. Fowler, USAEWES, Coastal Engineering Research Cent, Vicksburg, United States,
Steven A. Hughes, USAEWES, Coastal Engineering Research Cent, Vicksburg, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate various irregular wave parameters to determine which provides the best match for the regular wave parameter used to develop design guidance. The tests were conducted using fine sand as the model sediment and results were judged based on best bottom profile matches. Uniform regular waves were used to displace sand initially placed at a 1:4 slope in front of a concrete structure which had a similar 1:4 slope. Typical irregular wave parameters were used to generate irregular wave trains to displace sand molded to the same initial conditions used in the regular wave tests. Results indicated that significant wave height is the best irregular wave design parameter for matching results based on uniform regular wave tests. This suggests that the highest 1/3 of the waves in a given distribution are probably the most important for sediment transport.

Subject Headings: Water waves | Sediment transport | Irregular waves | Water supply systems | Parameters (statistics) | Hydraulic models | Wave height

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