Floating Breakwater Design

Floating breakwaters are inventoried. The various types are separated into 4 general categories, which are Box, Pontoon, Mat, and Tethered Float. The Tethered Float was identified as a special category but lacked sufficient prototype experience for detailed analysis. Advantages and disadvantages of the Box, Pontoon and Mat are presented. Hydraulic model test results and prototype experience for these 3 types are presented. Alternative mooring systems and anchorage methods are summarized. The engineering studies usually needed for a suitable design are outlined. Costs and design data for selected prototype installations are tabulated.