Abstract
Coastal communities are increasingly vulnerable to the destructive forces of tropical cyclones, storm surges, and sea-level rise, with recent decades showing record-breaking climate-related damage. With nearly 40% of the global population living in coastal zones, it is imperative to develop sustainable shoreline protection that extends beyond conventional engineering. This dissertation investigates the performance of submerged breakwater designs through laboratory-scale physical model experiments. It focuses on enhancing wave attenuation by evaluating geometric form, spatial configuration, and SEAHIVE®—a bio-inspired modular reef system.
The first study evaluates rectangular, trapezoidal, and semicircular breakwaters, analyzing wave transmission trends with crest width and submergence depth. A nonlinear regression model is proposed to predict transmission coefficients. The second study extends to two-row systems, showing that inter-row spacing plays a critical role in performance. Optimal spacing ratios are identified to inform multilayered coastal defenses. The third study introduces SEAHIVE®, composed of interlocking hexagonal units that integrate porosity and flow complexity. Tests across varying depths, steepness, and spacing-to-width ratios reveal SEAHIVE’s high performance and adaptability.
Together, the results presented in this dissertation contribute to a growing body of research on submerged breakwaters aiming towards a more sustainable and high-performing coastal infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of geometry, configuration, and porosity in designing shoreline protection systems resilient to future climate challenges.