Break water

Breakwater is a marine engineering structure built offshore to protect a harbor, anchorage, or marina basin from wave action. Breakwaters intercept longshore currents and trap sediment, helping to prevent coastal erosion and create calm water for safe harbor.

Types of Breakwaters

There are three main types of breakwaters: floating breakwaters, mound breakwaters, and vertical breakwaters.

Floating Breakwaters

Floating breakwaters are mobile structures that can be moved to different locations as needed. They are typically made of steel or concrete and are anchored to the seabed with chains or cables.

Mound Breakwaters

Mound breakwaters, also known as rubble mound breakwaters, are static structures made up of loose stones or concrete blocks. They are designed to absorb wave energy rather than reflecting it back into the sea.

Vertical Breakwaters

Vertical breakwaters are solid, wall-like structures that reflect wave energy back into the sea. They are typically made of concrete or steel and are built directly on the seabed.

Construction and Maintenance

The construction of a breakwater involves the placement of large amounts of rock, concrete, or other heavy materials in the water. This is usually done using barges and cranes. The maintenance of a breakwater involves regular inspections to check for damage and repairs as needed.

Environmental Impact

While breakwaters can provide significant benefits in terms of coastal protection and harbor safety, they can also have negative environmental impacts. These can include changes to local sediment transport patterns, loss of coastal habitat, and impacts on marine life.

See Also

• Coastal engineering
• Sea wall
• Groin
• Revetment

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