An experimental observation of a solitary wave impingement, run-up and overtopping on a seawall

A sequence of laboratory experiments using solitary waves was performed to model the effect of leading form of three types of tsunamis (a bore, an impinging wave and an overtopping wave) on a seawall on a sloping beach. The wave evolution process, impinging pressure along the seawall surface, total overtopping discharge behind the seawall and the maximum run-up height on the rear slope were measured and compared. Laboratory data were employed to re-examine relevant empirical formulae in the literature. The effect of the presence of the seawall in reducing maximum run-up height using the present setup was briefly discussed. The present data can be used for calibrating numerical and mathematical models.