Effect of Structures on Irregular Waves Compared to Regular Waves

The transfer functions of two different types of structures were determined from measurements of incident and transmitted wave characteristics. The two structures, which consist of a fixed barrier and of A-shape floating breakwater, were submitted to the attack of irregular wave trains mechanically generated by a programming device. The effect of structures on waves were compared from the simulation of four types of wave spectra. Test conditions for the structures were also made variable by changing the depth of immersion and by varying the distance between the cylinders for the floating breakwater. Results indicate that under corresponding conditions the fixed is more efficient to stop waves; however results for the floating A frame are less dispersive. These results were then compared to those obtained by subjecting the given structures to regular wave attack.