Difference between revisions of "Floating breakwaters"

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(Floating breakwaters)
(Floating breakwaters)
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[[category:Theme 8]]
 
[[category:Theme 8]]
  
Floating breakwaters (FB) represent an alternative solution to protect an area from wave attack, compared to conventional fixed breakwaters and can be effective in coastal areas with mild wave environment conditions.
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Floating breakwaters represent an alternative solution to protect an area from wave attack, compared to conventional fixed breakwaters and can be effective in coastal areas with mild wave environment conditions.
 
Therefore, they have been increasingly used aiming at protecting small craft harbours or marinas or, less frequently, the shoreline, aiming at erosion control.
 
Therefore, they have been increasingly used aiming at protecting small craft harbours or marinas or, less frequently, the shoreline, aiming at erosion control.
  
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#'' Poor foundation''
 
#'' Poor foundation''
FB might be a proper solution where poor foundations possibilities prohibit bottom connected breakwater.
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Floating breakwaters might be a proper solution where poor foundations possibilities prohibit the application of bottom supported breakwaters.
 
#'' Deep water''
 
#'' Deep water''
In water depths in excess of 6 m, bottom connected breakwaters are often more expensive than FB.
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In water depths in excess of 6 m, bottom connected breakwaters are often more expensive than floating breakwaters.
3. Water quality. FB present a minimum interference with water circulation and fish migration.
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#'' Water quality''
4. Ice problems. FB can be removed and towed to protected areas if ice formation is a problem. They may be suitable for areas where summer anchorage or moorage is required.
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Floating breakwaters present a minimum interference with water circulation and fish migration.
5. Visual impact. FB have a low profile and present a minimum intrusion on the horizon, particularly for areas with high tide ranges.
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#''Ice problems''
6. Breakwater layout. FB can usually be rearranged into new layout with minimum effort
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Floating breakwaters can be removed and towed to protected areas if ice formation is a problem. They may be suitable for areas where summer anchorage or moorage is required.
 +
#'' Visual impact''
 +
Floating breakwaters have a low profile and present a minimum intrusion on the horizon, particularly for areas with high tide ranges.
 +
#'' Breakwater layout''
 +
Floating breakwaters can usually be rearranged into a new layout with minimum effort.

Revision as of 16:20, 30 May 2007

Floating breakwaters

Floating breakwaters represent an alternative solution to protect an area from wave attack, compared to conventional fixed breakwaters and can be effective in coastal areas with mild wave environment conditions. Therefore, they have been increasingly used aiming at protecting small craft harbours or marinas or, less frequently, the shoreline, aiming at erosion control.

Some of the conditions that favour FB are:

  1. Poor foundation

Floating breakwaters might be a proper solution where poor foundations possibilities prohibit the application of bottom supported breakwaters.

  1. Deep water

In water depths in excess of 6 m, bottom connected breakwaters are often more expensive than floating breakwaters.

  1. Water quality

Floating breakwaters present a minimum interference with water circulation and fish migration.

  1. Ice problems

Floating breakwaters can be removed and towed to protected areas if ice formation is a problem. They may be suitable for areas where summer anchorage or moorage is required.

  1. Visual impact

Floating breakwaters have a low profile and present a minimum intrusion on the horizon, particularly for areas with high tide ranges.

  1. Breakwater layout

Floating breakwaters can usually be rearranged into a new layout with minimum effort.