Stability Response of Stone- and Dolos-Armored, Rubble-Mound Breakwater Trunks Subjected to Spectral Waves

Abstract : The purpose of this model investigation was to obtain design information for stone and dolos armor used on breakwater trunks and subjected to selected spectral wave conditions. More specifically, it was desired to determine the required weight of individual armor units (with given specific weights) needed for stability as a function of armor type, wave height and period, and sea-side slope of the breakwater. Based on test results, it was conducted that: 1) Stability of both armor types is influenced by wave height, wave period, breakwater slope, and, to a lesser extent, water depth. 2) A new energy based stability number which correlates strongly with the relative depth was developed. 3) Stone stability was more strongly influenced by changes in breakwater slope than was dolos stability, and 5) Dolos test results showed more variability, i.e., were less repeatable than the stone stability tests. Keywords: Model tests; Armor stability response; Breakwaters; Dolos armor; Rubble mound; Stone armor; Water waves; Ocean waves.