Laboratory Analysis of the Hydrodynamic Behavior of Perforated Breakwaters Constructed from Recycled Materials

Ahmadi, Jamil; Hadi Tavana, Mohammad; Delavari, Ehsan; Basirat, Shamsa

doi:10.22034/ijumes.2026.2097984.1396

Laboratory Analysis of the Hydrodynamic Behavior of Perforated Breakwaters Constructed from Recycled Materials

Document Type : Case Study

Authors

Jamil Ahmadi ¹

Mohammad Hadi Tavana ²

Ehsan Delavari ¹

Shamsa Basirat ¹

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

² Department of Civil Engineering, Ker.C., Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran

10.22034/ijumes.2026.2097984.1396

Abstract

Population growth and intensive development along coastlines have increased the demand for effective, low-cost and environmentally responsible coastal-protection structures. Problem statement: Conventional rock and concrete breakwaters consume large volumes of natural resources, impose high construction costs and disrupt near-shore water circulation and sediment transport; a permeable alternative that dissipates wave energy while preserving water exchange is therefore needed, particularly for the ports and waterways of Iran’s southern coasts along the Persian Gulf. Aim: This study analyses, through physical modelling, the hydrodynamic behavior of perforated breakwaters built from recycled materials and identifies the configuration that best combines wave attenuation with structural stability. Methodology: Physical models with single-row, double-row, double-sided, horizontal and vertical arrangements were tested in a wave flume at a 1:13 scale under regular waves. Perforations of varying number and diameter were introduced on the front and rear faces, and the reflection coefficient, run-up, transmission coefficient, uplift force and overturning moment were measured. Findings: The perforations effectively dissipated wave energy and reduced reflection, transmission, uplift and overturning moments. Horizontal perforated breakwaters near the water surface experienced lower uplift. Increasing the perforation percentage from 7% to 42.78% raised energy dissipation and lowered run-up, whereas increasing it further to 78.5% reversed the trend; the 42.78% configuration minimized wave transmission. Conclusion: The best overall performance was obtained with the two-row, double-sided breakwater in a combined wave-facing arrangement, which showed minimal displacement and the greatest stability, confirming perforated breakwaters made from recycled materials as a sustainable and effective coastal-protection option.

Graphical Abstract

Laboratory Analysis of the Hydrodynamic Behavior of Perforated Breakwaters Constructed from Recycled Materials

Highlights

· Perforated breakwaters built from recycled materials were tested in a wave flume at 1:13 scale.

· The perforations reduced wave reflection, transmission, run-up, uplift and overturning moment.

· A perforation ratio of 42.78% minimised wave transmission and maximised energy dissipation.

· Horizontal perforated breakwaters near the water surface experienced lower uplift forces.

· The two-row, double-sided combined arrangement gave the greatest stability and least displacement.

Keywords

Laboratory modelling

perforated breakwater

recycled materials

wave reflection

wave transmission

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