Assessment of Cyclical Wave Damage for Small Basin Harbors

Boudreau, Russell H.; ,

Assessment of Cyclical Wave Damage for Small Basin Harbors

by Russell H. Boudreau, Moffatt & Nichol, Long Beach, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: World Marina '91

Abstract:

Since the construction of Oceanside Harbor in Southern California in 1963, continuous wave penetration into the inner harbor has caused significant damage to dock systems, revetments, and evessels. A feasibility study to evaluate alternatives to reduce wave-related damage and improve navigation was performed for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This paper describes the method which was developed for this study to assess wave-related damages within the harbor basins. The methodology may be applicable to other harbors. An analogy is drawn between this type of wave-related damages and structural fatigue relationships, which related cyclic stress levels to allowable number of cycles. Fatigue damage is related to the cumulative exceedence of stresses over allowable levels. It is suggested that the percent of wave height above the estimated minimum damage threshold level be representative of the wave damage at that location. Good correlation was found between the predicted damages using this cyclic wave damage model and actual damage level.

Return to search