Total horizontal and vertical forces of irregular waves on partially perforated caisson breakwaters

In this study, the total horizontal and vertical forces as well as the phase differences of irregular waves on a partially perforated caisson breakwater are investigated. The partially perforated caisson is located on a rubble fill foundation and filled with rock. Based on linear potential theory, a simple semi-analytical solution of the present problem is developed by means of the matched eigenfunction method and the finite element method. Experimental tests are also conducted to validate the theoretical model and examine the wave forces acting on the perforated caisson. The effects of some of the main factors on the total wave forces and the phase difference are examined. Theoretical and experimental studies show that when the total horizontal force reaches its peak, the simultaneous total vertical (upward) force is rather small or even becomes downwards. This is due to the existence of an obvious phase difference between the time histories of the total horizontal and vertical forces, which is an important advantage of perforated caissons over traditional structures.