Wave impact loads on horizontal structures in the splash zone

Abstract

A study of plunging wave impact on a horizontal beam in the splash zone is reported. Impact pressures on the vertical face of the beam are obtained for a range of incident wave conditions associated with different stages of wave plunging development just prior to impact. Apart from the impulsive characteristics, the impact pressures are found to depend significantly on the trapped air during impact. The interaction between the wave, structure and the trapped air during impact is also examined using a simplified one-dimensional numerical model.