Wave runup and wave overtopping measurements using a laser scanner

•A laser scanner is used to directly measure virtual wave overtopping volumes and discharge.•The virtual wave overtopping volumes and discharge compare well to real overtopping.•Using the signal quality of the laser scanner improves the accuracy of runup measurements.

The use of a standard laser scanner to measure several hydraulic responses of coastal structures is examined. To this end measurements of full scale wave runup on a dike slope in the (old) Delta Flume are described and analyzed. Measurements of the wave runup height with a laser scanner are compared to measurements based on visual observation. The signal intensity of the laser reflection is additionally used in the determination of the wave runup height. Virtual wave overtopping volumes and mean overtopping discharge are determined by considering the maximum water volume above a certain virtual crest level on the dike slope, for each runup event. The mean wave overtopping discharge that is determined in this manner compares well to accepted formulas for overtopping. The technological applicability of the technique is described, including postprocessing methods, and estimates are made of the accuracy that can be achieved.