Deterministic and Probabilistic Design of Breakwater Armor Layers

Abstract

New stability formulas for rubble mound revetments and breakwaters under random wave attack have been established as a result of a comprehensive model investigation at Delft Hydraulics. These formulas include parameters such as the wave period, storm duration, and permeability of the structure and a clearly defined damage level. Main shortcomings in Hudson‐type formulas have been solved. The development of these new formulas was described earlier; the present paper does not repeat this development. The stability formulas are given with the range of possible application of the parameters. It is shown how the formulas can be used in both deterministic and probabilistic design. The deterministic design procedure gives curves showing the influences of the various parameters. Probabilistic design results in curves showing the probability of exceedance of damage levels in the lifetime of the structure.