Tentative New Formula for Maximum Horizontal Wave Forces Acting on Perforated Caisson

This paper summarizes a part of the work carried out in the framework of the European research program MAST III-PROVERBS. It deals with the evaluation of pressure distribution and forces acting on the different faces of a perforated caisson breakwater. Various 2D model tests were performed at LeHavre and Caen Universities, and field measurements were made on the Dieppe breakwater. The aim of the study was to improve common knowledge and design of this type of dissipative monolithic breakwater. A new method for the calculation of maximum horizontal wave forces is proposed. The method is tested for more than 120 force estimates derived from various experimental sources, and it proves to be fairly good and reliable for engineering applications.