Breakwaters are widely used throughout the world, mainly to provide shelter from wave action. This protection is primarily designed for vessels in port and for facilities, but sometimes breakwaters are also used to protect valuable habitats that are threatened by the destructive forces of the sea or to protect beaches from erosion. Although the threat is usually caused by wave action, protection against current is also important. Additionally, breakwaters can prevent or reduce the siltation of navigation channels. In some cases breakwaters also accommodate loading facilities for cargo or passengers.
Types of breakwaters
1. Mound types
2. Monolithic types
3. Composite types
4. Special (unconventional) types
Mound types
Mound type of breakwaters are actually no more than large heaps of loose elements, such as gravel and quarry stone or concrete blocks. The stability of the exposed slope of the mound depends on the ratio between load and strength.
Monolithic types
Monolithic types have a cross section designed in such a way that the structure acts as one solid block (a caisson, a block wall or a masonry structure).
Composite types
Composite type combines a monolithic type with a berm composed of loose elements.
Special (unconventional) types
Other than described above falls under this category such as:
- Floating breakwaters
- Pneumatic breakwaters
- Hydraulic breakwaters
- Pile breakwaters
- Horizontal plate breakwaters
Advantages of rubble mound breakwaters are:
- Simple construction
- Withstand unequal settlements
- Large ratio between initial damage and collapse
- Many guidelines available for the designer
Disadvantages of rubble mound breakwaters are:
- Dependence on the availability of adequate quarry
- Large quantity of material required in deeper water
- Large space requirement
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