Technologies and Solutions

Detached Breakwater of Gravity Type: Barrier-Win

Because the Japanese coastline is frequently attacked by gigantic waves driven by typhoons, etc., Japan has constructed disaster prevention facilities to protect the coastal zone from waves. Infrastructure improvements including dam construction in mountainous areas and river improvements have also been carried out. However, these works have also reduced in the supply of sand to coastal areas and cut off the continuity of drift sand, resulting in increased coastal erosion. While fundamental countermeasures for coastal erosion must be based on circulation of earth and sand from land areas to sea areas, many coastal areas have already suffered serious erosion, and an urgent response is necessary in those areas. Our Barrier-Win detached breakwater is designed to protect the irreplaceable beaches of such coastlines.

Detached Breakwater of Gravity Type: Barrier-Win

Reduction Effects (Experimental Research and Simulations)

Breakwater width and mass reduction effect: Due to the uplift reduction effect, it is possible to reduce the breakwater cross section in comparison with conventional caisson breakwaters. Based on a simulation assuming a water depth of 10m, it was estimated that the breakwater width and total mass can be reduced by 13% and 34%, respectively.

Construction cost reduction effect: In a simulation for an installation water depth of 3m, a construction cost reduction effect of approximately 10% was obtained in comparison with a conventional armor block detached breakwater.

Features

  • Thanks to skillful use of a fluid dynamics mechanism, the body of the breakwater is not affected by uplift.
  • Because horizontal wave force is also reduced, an economical section design can be proposed.
  • The crown height is close to the mean water level, increasing the view from the coast.
  • Placing artificial rocks or a parapet on the crown provides a landmark to prevent collisions by fishing boats.
  • Recycled armor blocks, concrete debris, etc. can be used as the fill material.