Wave run-up and overtopping reduction by block revetments with enhanced roughness

Block revetments that are placed in special patterns, in a way that lower (standard) sets are surrounded by sets of higher (protruding) units, have been studied by means of physical model tests. This paper focuses on prediction formulae for the wave run-up and wave overtopping reduction by means of special pattern block revetments. This reduction is significant and leads to lower crest levels of dikes. Reducing or limiting crest levels without reducing safety is often a preferred solution in areas where dikes form an integral part of the existing area and where raising dikes will lead to social drawbacks or a negative impact on the landscape.