Partially Penetrating Wave Barriers
Development along the coastline is complicated by sensitive ecosystems, deep water, and dynamic wave loads. PND created vertical barriers that stop short of the seafloor to protect infrastructure. By holding the wall above the seabed, where most of a wave's energy hits, much of the energy can be absorbed while reducing the forces on the wall, maximizing efficiency. These partially penetrating wave barriers are a customizable, cost-effective way to protect harbors, anchorages, and shorelines from moderate-height waves—while minimizing impact on the marine environment.
Flexible Coastal Protection & Moorage Expansion
PND successfully constructed its first wave barrier at a U.S. Coast Guard facility in 1980 in Garibaldi, Oregon. Having withstood a severe storm with 6-foot waves without damage in 1986, PND continued to develop this wave mitigation method.
Using industry-leading research as well as physical and numerical modeling, PND established design methods and criteria in 2001 to create suitable structure solutions and use limitations for a variety of soil conditions and water depths. With model testing completed in wave tanks at B.C. Research, Inc., the U.S. Naval Academy, Oregon State University, and PND, the design was well tested for low environmental impact and improved wave protection. Additionally, its flexible integration and versatile construction allows for increased moorage space.
Economical & Efficient
Reduced construction time and maintenance costs for faster project completion
Versatile Construction
Can be built using a wide variety of materials and methods, including cantilever type or SPIN FIN™ batter clusters
Flexible Integration
Can be attached to existing docks or serve as a strong foundation for new structures
Environmentally Beneficial
Allows natural basin flushing and minimizes impact on the marine environment
Use Cases With Partially Penetrating Wave Barriers
Docks & Piers
When driven to specification, the partially penetrating wave barrier’s driven steel pipe pile construction is ideal for supporting docks and piers while ensuring full vertical and lateral loading. Steel piles also easily allow the addition of caps, decks, and other dock structural elements.
Using partially penetrating wave barriers for docks and piers is case-by-case; its suitability is dependent upon specific design criteria in the initial concept planning and design development. Several partially penetrating wave barrier structures have integrated pedestrian walks and drive-on piers into their primary design, including Port of Seattle’s Marina Pier A.
- Cost-Effective Coastal Infrastructure Protection
- Flexible and Customizable for Various Water Depths and Soils
- Allows Natural Basin Flushing and Robust Wave Protection
- Proven Durability Against Severe Storms
Retaining Walls
A partially penetrating wave barrier is constructed similarly to a combi-wall structure, with steel pipe pile and flat sheet sections. For use as a retaining wall, the piles in the partially penetrating wave barrier are sized appropriately to retain soil and withstand hydrodynamic wave forces.
The “partial” portion of this innovation would become a full-depth wall instead—effectively closing the sheet-pile portion into the ground. Though higher wave forces and forces from the retained earth would add to the challenge, using partially penetrating wave barriers is practical anywhere the wave barrier may abut the land. For example, PND designed just such a partially penetrating wave barrier at the mouth of Port of Bellingham’s Blaine Harbor.
FAQs
To learn more about the applications of PND’s partially penetrating wave barriers innovation, read our frequently asked questions.
What are partially penetrating wave barriers (PPWBs)?
Partially penetrating wave barriers are vertical structures designed to protect coastal infrastructure from moderate-height waves. They stop short of the seafloor, minimizing environmental impact while providing effective wave mitigation. The vertical wall also covers far less square footage than a rock breakwater.
How do PPWBs benefit the marine environment?
Partially penetrating wave barriers allow for natural basin flushing, which minimizes their impact on the marine environment. Their design ensures they don’t disrupt local ecosystems while providing necessary protection against waves.
What materials are used in PPWB construction?
Partially penetrating wave barriers are typically constructed using steel pipe piles with flat sheet-pile sections, creating a robust and durable structure capable of withstanding various environmental conditions.
Can PPWBs be used in deep water conditions?
Yes. Partially penetrating wave barriers can be customized to suit various water depths and soil conditions. Their flexible design and construction allow them to be used in both shallow and deep water.
What are some successful applications of PPWBs?
PND successfully constructed the first partially penetrating wave barrier at a U.S. Coast Guard facility in Oregon in 1980. We’ve also completed partially penetrating wave barrier projects at the Port of Seattle’s Marina Pier A, Lummi Island Ferry Terminal, Skagway Small Boat Harbor, and Portage Cove in Haines, Alaska.
How cost-effective are PPWBs compared to other wave mitigation options?
Partially penetrating wave barriers are highly cost-effective due to reduced construction time and maintenance costs. Their versatile construction and flexible integration allow for faster project completion and long-term savings.
Can PPWBs be used as retaining walls?
Yes, partially penetrating wave barriers can be adapted to function as retaining walls by closing the sheet-pile portion into the ground. It’s most practical for instances where part of a wave barrier may abut the land, such as at the mouth of Port of Bellingham’s Blaine Harbor.
What makes PPWBs a durable solution for coastal protection?
Partially penetrating wave barriers have been rigorously tested with physical and numerical modeling completed at B.C. Research, Inc., the U.S. Naval Academy, and Oregon State University, as well as at PND facilities. Their proven durability and ability to withstand severe storms make them a reliable choice for coastal protection.
Interested in using Partially Penetrating Wave Barriers?
Protect your project from wave forces and minimize ecosystem impact.