New Prediction Formula for Pore Pressure Distribution inside Rubble-Mound Breakwater Core

A new prediction formula is proposed to determine wave-induced pore pressure height distribution inside the core of rubble mound breakwaters. Existing observed field and experimental data in the literature have been examined, and a valuable database has been obtained. Using dimensional analysis, a new wave damping parameter has been derived. In comparison with the existing empirical Biesel’s formula, the proposed prediction formula directly takes into account the influence of the mean diameter of the core material, water depth, and important wave parameters such as incident wave height and wavelength, and there is no more necessity to assume appropriate values for the seepage coefficient and the material coefficient that are essentially needed for Biesel’s formula. The new prediction formula presented here has its merits in providing an alternative form and insight into the physics of phenomena.