Wave Field Computation around Artificial Reefs with Gradational Breaker Model

Distribution of wave heights around submerged, detached breakwaters with wide crests, or artificial reefs, are computed with a numerical scheme using a gradational wave breaking process based on parabolic equation for directional random waves. Applicability of the numerical scheme has been verified with laboratory and field data. The governing factors of the wave transmission coefficient are identified and several design diagrams are presented. Artificial reefs with longitudinal axes perpendicular to the shoreline are demonstrated to perform better than shore-parallel artificial reefs.