A Review of Developments and Problems In Using Floating Breakwaters

In this review the basic types of floating breakwaters are examined. Data on a number of current installations and their construction costs are included. Materials used in construction are discussed in the light of present applications and problems that have been encountered. The field performance and measured mooring forces are presented for breakwaters that have been instrumented. The conclusion is that current installations are effective in reducing the incident-wave energy. However, their performance is closely tied to the incident-wave frequency. As experience with these structures is accumulated, their use in increasingly severe environments can be expected.