INTEGRATED DESIGN OF COASTAL PROTECTION WORKS FOR WENDUINE, BELGIUM

Abstract

Wave overtopping tests were performed with a 1:25 physical scale model to determine the optimal geometry for design of new wave return walls at Wenduine, Belgium. Wave overtopping on the shallow foreshore at Wenduine was found to be dominated by low-frequency infragravity waves (f < 0.04 Hz at prototype scale). Mean wave overtopping discharge measured with the physical model compared well with the Van Gent (1999) empirical overtopping equations for shallow foreshores. Physical model tests confirmed that the stilling wave basin concept proposed by Geerearts, et al. (2006) and wave wall parapet concepts of van Doorslaer & De Rouck (2010) were effective at reducing the wave wall height required to meet the tolerable discharge overtopping standards.