Overtopping Flow Parameters on the inner slope of Seadikes

Wave overtopping is one of the most important parameters concerning the design of seadikes. In the past the design was based on average overtopping rates. Nevertheless, average overtopping rates are not suitable for design of seadikes because they represent the direct loading on the dike surface. Direct loads on the dike surface are overtopping velocities and layer thicknesses. These parameters are responsible for erosion and infiltration o f overtopping water into the c lay coverage of seadikes (Fig. 1). A theoretical model was developed b ased on the two d imensional equations of motion to p redict overtopping velocities and layer thicknesses. This model was calibrated and verified by small and large scale model tests and is valid for each dike section (seaward slope, dike crest, landward slope).