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Ocean Engineering
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/oceaneng
a r t i c l e i n f o abstract
Article history: A proposed new type of breakwater used for the Egyptian Northwestern Coast is presented and
Received 9 April 2011 evaluated. The new model consists of double porous curtain walls fixed on two rows of vertical piles.
Accepted 12 March 2012 The curtain walls consist of two sets of horizontal steel strips with equal spacing. The piles are in two
Editor-in-Chief: A.I. Incecik
rows with spacing in the two directions. The spaces between the steel strips and the piles allow for
Available online 23 April 2012
good transmission of water and sediment with a favorable dissipation of wave energy. The North-
Keywords: western Coast of Egypt is an ideal location for the application of this new type of breakwater due to its
Curtain wall pile breakwaters sudden steep slope, wave breaking near the shore, strong rip currents and huge amount of sediment
Egyptian Northwestern Coast transport.
Numerical wave flume
A calibration has been implemented using a set of laboratory results. A parametric study has been
Transmission coefficient
conducted in order to introduce the best configuration of the new model. Real shore and sea data for
several locations were applied and theoretical analysis has shown that the suspended breakwater leads
to energy dissipation of incident wave energy and provides a quite safe surf zone for swimmers and
human activity with minimum changes to the shoreline.
& 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
0029-8018/$ - see front matter & 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2012.03.012
48 B. Elsharnouby et al. / Ocean Engineering 48 (2012) 47–58
been introduced by several researchers in the last few years. regression analysis against the numerical model output. Section 4
There are two main categories of floating breakwaters according presents the application of the proposed breakwater at two zones on
to their installation system: the Egyptian Northwestern Coast. Finally, conclusions are presented
in Section 5.
Moored floating breakwaters (Anchored by chains or cables).
Floating breakwaters supported on rows of pile.
2. Double curtain wall on piles system model
Moored floating breakwaters have many configurations and The proposed Double Curtain wall on piles system (DCWPS) is
types, such as rectangular pontoon, single tube and multiple shown in Fig. 1.
tubes. Floating breakwaters restrained by piles are also known The new model consists of:
as Curtain Wall Pile breakwater (CWP) or porous suspended wave
barriers. Two rows of vertical circular piles.
Several researchers have conducted theoretical and experi- Two sets of horizontal strips (front and rear) each set fixed on
mental studies on the hydraulic characteristics of CWP break- one row of piles.
waters. Table 1 shows some of these previous studies (Rageh and
Koraim, 2010). Both piles and strip curtains are working as a breakwater and
The paper is organized as follows: Section 2 presents the new wave dissipation resulting from the whole system. The curtain
layout of a CWP breakwater. The performance and wave interaction wall can be adjusted according to the performance.
with a double curtain wall strips breakwater supported on piles has The horizontal axe of the strips is located at the sea mean level;
been studied numerically in Section 3; the performance is described the strips extend up and down the sea level for a distance close to one
in terms of transmission coefficients. A Computational Fluid half of its total height. The curtain is facing the most concentrating
Dynamics (CFD) model, which has been set up using Flow-3D area of wave energy, and doubling of the curtain tends to increase the
numerical model, has been used. The model verification has been energy dissipation by anti-phase equal to a thickness of one strip.
based on previous experimental lab model studies. This section Spaces between piles and strips allow sediments and water
concludes with a discussion of the results and a proposed design to pass through the structure. The new system is expected to
curves for Double Curtain Wall on Piles System (DCWPS) based on a have minimum effect on the sediment transport and shoreline
Table 1
Literature review of curtain wall pile breakwaters (Rageh and Koraim, 2010).
Koftis et al. (2006) Vertical semi-immersed slotted barrier Reynolds average Navier–Stokes equation. Flume with dim.
(RANS) 20 0.62 1.0 m.
Rageh et al. (2009) Semi immersed pontoon supported on piles – Flume with dim.
12 0.3 0.45 m.
Krishnakumar et al. (2008) Partially submerged slotted wave screens Boundary integral equation Flume with dim.
72.5 2 2.7 m.
Suh et al. (2007) Pile-supported vertical single wall (circular piles) Eigen function expansion Flume with dim.
104 3.7 4.6 m.
Laju et al. (2007) Pile-supported vertical double walls (circular piles) Eigen function expansion Flume with dim.
72.5 2 2.7 m.
Huang (2007) Single and double thin, vertical, slotted barriers Eigen function expansion Flume with dim.
12 0.3 0.5 m.
Suh et al. (2006) Pile-supported vertical single wall (square piles) Eigen function expansion Flume with dim.
104 3.7 4.6 m.
Koraim (2005) Single and double rows of vertical circular and square Eigen function expansion Flume with dim.
piles 15 0.3 0.5 m.
Sundar (2002) Quadrant front face pile supported breakwater – Flume with dim.
72.5 2 2.7 m.
Abdel-Mawla and Balah, Thin, vertical and sloped slotted double and triple – Flume with dim.
(2001) barriers 13 0.3 0.5 m.
B. Elsharnouby et al. / Ocean Engineering 48 (2012) 47–58 49
morphology. It is expected from the new system to provide a good where r is the mass density of the fluid, n is the velocity vector
water circulation. and r is the gradient operator. S on the right side of the equation
represents the sources and sinks.
In the absence of mass sources and for incompressible flows,
the mass conservation equation reduces the divergence of the
3. Numerical model
velocity as follows:
3.5. Design characteristics for the new breakwater model simulations have been conducted using the numerical model. The
comparison between the numerical model results and the experi-
The performance of the proposed system has been investigated mental results is shown in Fig. 5. The figure shows that there is a
through a parametric study to determine the design character- good concurrence between numerical and experimental results.
istics. The performance is described in terms of the transmission However, the differences between the numerical and laboratory
coefficient (Kt), as shown in Fig. 3, data could be due to the scale effects, the finite duration of both
numerical simulation time and laboratory test time, and the
Ht
Kt ¼ ð5Þ uncertainty in laboratory work, as well as numerical rounding
Hi
errors in the computational model.
where: Ht ¼transmitted wave height and Hi ¼incident wave
height. 3.7. Numerical simulations
Fig. 4 shows the design characteristics that affect the break-
water efficiency in terms of the value of transmission coefficient A number of numerical simulations have been performed to
(Kt). These design characteristics are as follows: study the influence of the design characteristic in the transmis-
sion coefficient as shown in . These curves were plotted using the
– D ¼Pile diameter. basis of Polynomials least square curve fitting method. This
– W¼Strip width. method assumes that the best-fit curve of a given type is the
– G ¼Pile spacing in X-direction. curve that has the minimal sum of the deviations squared (least
– h¼Total strip height. square error) for a given set of data.
– V¼Strip vertical spacing. Fig. 6 presents the relation between the transmission coeffi-
– S¼Pile spacing in Y-direction. cient (Kt) and dimensionless pile spacing (S/D) for different values
of pile diameter (D). Seventy eight numerical simulations had
Parameters effects were tested through a set of numerical been performed. The values of strip width (W) ¼0.12 m, strip
simulations. Parameters ranges used in the model are listed in vertical spacing (V)¼ 0.12 m and pile spacing in X-direction
Table 2. (G)¼ 3.0 m. The transmission coefficient and dimensionless pile
spacing are directly proportional. Fig. 6 shows that values of (Kt)
3.6. Numerical model calibration are greater than 0.4 at (S/D) greater than 3.
Figs. 7 and 8 presented the relation between transmission
In order to calibrate the Flow-3D numerical model, for model- coefficient (Kt) and dimensionless strip spacing (V/W) for different
ing the interaction between the DCWPS and the incident waves, a values of strip width (W). Seventy numerical simulations had
range of experimental data was selected. These experiments were been conducted. The values of pile spacing in Y-direction (S)¼1.0
conducted by Rageh et al. (2009). The used model consists of an and 2.0 m, pile diameter (D) ¼0.2 and 0.40 m and pile spacing in
immersed pontoon with width (B) and draft (Dp) resting on two X-direction (G) ¼3.0 m. The transmission coefficient and dimen-
rows of vertical piles with diameter (D) and spacing (G), (S) sionless strip spacing are directly proportional. It can be seen
in X and Y directions, respectively. A number of 12 numerical from Fig. 7 that the values of the (Kt) are greater than 0.3 at (V/W)
B. Elsharnouby et al. / Ocean Engineering 48 (2012) 47–58 51
Table 2
Numerical setup parameters for DCWP breakwater models.
Fig. 5. Comparison between the numerical results and experimental data for the transmission coefficient (Kt).
greater than 0.5 while Fig. 8 shows that the values of (Kt) are nineteen numerical simulations had been conducted. The values
greater than 0.4 at (V/W) greater than 0.5. of pile spacing in Y-direction (S)¼1.0 and 2.0 m, pile diameter
Figs. 9 and 10 presented the relation between transmission (D) ¼0.2 and 0.40 m and pile spacing in X-direction (G)¼3.0 m.
coefficient (Kt) and dimensionless strip spacing (V/W) for different It can be seen from Figs. 9 and 10 that the values of (Kt) are
values of total strip height (h). In these figures one hundred and greater than 0.2 at (V/W) greater than 0.5.
52 B. Elsharnouby et al. / Ocean Engineering 48 (2012) 47–58
Fig. 6. The relation between the transmission coefficient (Kt) and dimensionless pile spacing (S/D) for different values of pile diameter (W¼ 0.12 m, V¼ 0.12 m and
G ¼3.0 m).
Fig. 7. The relation between the transmission coefficient (Kt) and dimensionless strip spacing (V/W) for different values of strip width (S¼ 1.0 m, D ¼0.20 m and G ¼ 3.0 m).
Fig. 8. The relation between transmission coefficient (Kt) and dimensionless strip spacing (V/W) for different values of strip width (S ¼2.0 m, D ¼ 0.40 m and G ¼3.0 m).
B. Elsharnouby et al. / Ocean Engineering 48 (2012) 47–58 53
Fig. 9. The relation between the transmission coefficient (Kt) and dimensionless strip spacing (V/W) for different values of total strip height (S ¼1.0 m, D ¼ 0.20 m and
G ¼ 3.0 m).
Fig. 10. The relation between the transmission coefficient (Kt) and dimensionless strip spacing (V/W) for different values of total strip height (S¼2.0 m, D¼ 0.40 m and G¼3.0 m).
Figs. 6 and 10 can be used to determine preliminary design From Fig. 9: V/W ratio¼1.0, then the total strip height
characteristics of DCWP breakwater for specific transmission coeffi- (h)¼1.08 m.
cient values (Kt). These characteristics are also dependent on eco-
nomical aspects, field bathymetry, available pile diameters and the
required efficiency. It is recommended to apply more detailed
parametric study and a physical modeling for complete design 4. Case study of Northwestern of Egypt
scheme.
As an example, the following steps can be applied to deter- 4.1. Overview
mine the DCWP breakwater dimensions using the design curves
Figs. 6 and 9: The Northwestern Coast of Egypt is a typical area to use the
Assume the following data: new structure along its shore. In this area the bed slope is very
steep, waves are breaking near the shore line and rip currents are
J Strip width (W) ¼0.12 m quite dangerous. These conditions make swimming along most of
J Vertical strip spacing (V)¼0.12 m northern coast very risky.
J Pile spacing in X-direction (G) ¼3.0 m Various emerged breakwaters have been implemented to solve
J Transmission coefficient (Kt) ¼0.53 m this problem, but they have produced adverse results. An example
J Pile diameter (D)¼0.2 m. of these structures is the group of emerged detached breakwaters
constructed at Palm Beach, 21 km west of Alexandria. The break-
From Fig. 6: S/D ratio ¼5.0, then the pile spacing in Y-direction waters blocked most of the sediments and water movement
(S) ¼1.0 m. yielding accumulated accretion at the protected area and severe
54 B. Elsharnouby et al. / Ocean Engineering 48 (2012) 47–58
erosion at neighboring areas as shown in Fig. 11, in addition to zones have been selected: the first zone is Nice 1 resort located
deterioration of water quality behind the breakwater. 65 km west of Alexandria and the second is Nice 5 resort located
10 km after Nice 1 resort. Topography and bathymetry surveys have
4.2. Study areas been conducted for these two areas. Data of waves, currents and
tides were collected. Fig. 12 shows the bathymetries of the two
To test suitability of using DCWPS as an environment friendly locations. Fig. 13 shows cross shore sections in the two bathymetries
partial shore protection system for the Northwestern Coast, two illustrating the sudden steep slope in the sea bed, with a small surf
Fig. 12. Bathymetry map for Nice 1 resort (left) and Nice 5 resort (right).
B. Elsharnouby et al. / Ocean Engineering 48 (2012) 47–58 55
Fig. 13. Cross shore sections at the Nice 1 and Nice 5 resorts, respectively.
4.3. Proposed structure dimensions and layout Fig. 14. Proposed structure layout.
Fig. 15. Snapshots of the free surface profile before and after the constructions of DCWPS at Nice 5 resort.
Fig. 16. Water free surface changes due to presence of DCWPS at Nice 5 (fitted curve).
Fig. 17. Water free surface changes due to presence of DCWPS at Nice 5 (a zoomed view at the lee side portion).
Fig. 18. Snapshots of the free surface profile before and after the constructions of DCWPS at Nice 1 resort.
Fig. 19. Water free surface changes due to presence of DCWPS at Nice 1 (fitted curve).
Fig. 20. Water free surface changes due to presence of DCWPS at Nice 1 (a zoomed view at the lee side portion).
but with noticeable reduction in their heights and energy, causing Egypt. Design curves and charts are presented for the detailed
no rip current. design of the new system. The dimensions of the strips and
The model was theoretically analyzed using real wave data spacing between them can be adjusted any time after the
and bathymetry of two locations along the Northwestern Coast of construction in order to adapt the system efficiency according
58 B. Elsharnouby et al. / Ocean Engineering 48 (2012) 47–58
to any change of climate. The results show that the wave height Hirt, C., Nichols, B., 2007. Flow-3D User’s Manual. Flow Science Inc.
has decreased after the breakwater. Huang, Z., 2007. Wave interaction with one or two rows of closely spaced
rectangular cylinders. Ocean Eng. 34 (11-12), 1584–1591.
More validation to the proposed breakwater is still needed Koftis, T., Prinos, P., Koutandos, E., 2006. 2D-V hydrodynamics of wave-floating
using physical models and/or numerical wave flume before breakwater interaction. J. Hydraul. Res. 44 (4), 451–469.
starting its implementation in Egyptian Northwestern Coast. Koraim, A., 2005 Suggested model for the protection of shores and marina. A
The new model provides an environment friendly partial Thesis Submitted for Partial Fulfillment of Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Civil
Eng., Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
shore protection without adverse side effect. The breakwater Krishnakumar, C., Balaji, R., Sannasiraj, S., Sundar, V., 2008. Reflection and
can easily be adjusted after construction to meet any environ- transmission characteristics of partially submerged slotted wave screens. Int.
mental changing conditions. J. Ecol. Dev. 11 (F08), 20–35.
Laju, K., Sundar, V., Sundaravadivelu, R., 2007. Studies on pile supported double
The study of the new proposed breakwater effects on the shoreline
skirt breakwater models. J. Ocean Technol. CCMC 11 (1), 32.
is under progress now. The results obtained will be presented in Rageh, O., Koraim, A., 2010. Hydraulic performance of vertical walls with
future publications. horizontal slots used as breakwater. Coastal Eng. 57 (8), 745–756.
Rageh, O., Koraim, A., Salem, T., 2009. Hydrodynamic efficiency of partially
immersed caissons supported on piles. Ocean Eng. 36 (14), 1112–1118.
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