Reflection and transmission of tsunami waves by coastal structures

This paper presents a linear solution for the interaction of tsunamis with coastal defence structures. The solitary wave is considered a valid represe ntation of the tsunami; using the Fourier analysis, the harmonic components of the solitary wave are obtained. These harmonic components are propagate d through (a) a permeable breakwater of rectangular cross section, using th e wave plane criteria of Dalrymple et al. [Reflection and transmission from porous structures under oblique wave attack. J Fluid Mech 1991;224:625-44] and (b) permeable and impermeable submerged breakwaters, using the mild sl ope equation of Losada et al. [Interaction of non-breaking directional rand om waves with submerged breakwaters Coastal Engng 1996;28:249-66]. The refl ection and transmission coefficients are evaluated using the inverse Fourie r transform. The theoretical results show a good agreement with experimenta l data, while the limitations of the model are its linear character and the fact that is does not take into consideration wave breaking. (C) 2000 Else vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.