Characteristics of Wave Dissipation by Flexible Submerged Breakwater and Utility of the Device

A flexible submerged breakwater called "flexible mound", made of an elastic membrane bag filled with water, has been developed for wave control in shallow water as an advanced alternative to the conventional rigid submerged design. Experimental studies were carried out to compare the characteristics of the wave dissipation by flexible mound with those by rigid models. The appropriate ranges of important parameters affecting the efficiency of the flexible type were identified. Numerical studies were also conducted to investigate the mechanism of wave absorption by the flexible structure. To verify the stability and utility of the flexible mound, additional experimental studies were performed using a prototype model. A design concept involved in an actual field construction of the flexible breakwater is also presented.