FLOATING BREAKWATER DESIGN

By Bruce L.fMcCartney,1 M. ASCE

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'(f) ,,_
ABSTRACT: {Floating breakwaters are inventoried. The various types are separated into 4 general categories, wMehSale 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 ttstt*
aBy^needed for a suitable design are outlined.
Costs and design data for selected prototype installations are tabulated.-]

INTRODUCTION

Floating breakwaters are used increasingly as a means of protecting

small boat marinas in the United States. This paper presents an inventory of typical floating breakwater types,, model test information, prototype installations, a n d design considerations."
ANALYSIS

Floating breakwaters have m a n y potential applications for boat basin

protection, boat r a m p protection, a n d shoreline erosion control. Some
of the conditions that favor floating breakwaters are:
1. Poor Foundation.Floating breakwaters m a y be the only solution
where poor foundations will not support bottom-connected breakwaters.
2. Deep Water.In water depths in excess of 20 ft (6.1 m), bottomconnected breakwaters are often more expensive t h a n floating breakwaters.
3. Water Quality.Floating breakwaters present a m i n i m u m of interference with water circulation and fish migration.
4. Ice Problems.Floating breakwaters can be removed and towed to
protected areas if ice formation is a problem. They may be suitable for
areas w h e r e s u m m e r anchorage or moorage is required.
5. Aesthetics.Floating breakwaters have a low profile and present a
minimum intrusion on the horizon, particularly for areas with high tide
ranges.
6. Breakwater Layout.Floating breakwaters can usually be rearranged into n e w layout with m i n i m u m effort.
a
Hydr. Engr., Hydr. and Hydrology Div./ Office Chief of Engrs., U.S. Army
Corps of Engrs., Washington, D.C. 20314.
Note.Discussion open until August 1, 1985. To extend the closing date one
month, a written request must be filed with the ASCE Manager of Journals. The
manuscript for this paper was submitted for review and possible publication on
August 30, 1982. This paper is part of the Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal
and Ocean Engineering, Vol. I l l , No. 2, March, 1985. ASCE, ISSN 0733-950X/
85/0002-0304/$01.00. Paper No. 19610.

304

J. Waterway, Port, Coastal, Ocean Eng. 1985.111:304-318.

BOX

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SOLID R E C T A N G L E

R E I N F O R C E D CONCRETE UNITS
A R E T H E MOST COMMON T Y P E .

S T A N D A R D B A R G E SIZES ON
I N L A N D WATERWAYS A R E
195' X 35' X 12' A N D 1 7 5 ' X 26' X 1 1 '
I N C L I N E D BARGES (ONE E N D SU BMERGED1HAVE BEEN T E S T E D .
PONTOON

TWIN P O N T O O N

FLO TAT/ON
BALLAST

C A T A M A R A N SHAPE

ALSO C A L L E D ALASKA

OPEN COMPARTMENT

TYPE

*- WOOD SHEET
SECTION

nr.

^M=

DECK IS OPEN WOOD FRAME.

MAT
S C R A P T I R E S S T R U N G ON P O L E
F R A M E W O R K OR B O U N D T O G E T H E R
WITH C H A I N OR B E L T I N G . FOAM
F L O T A T I O N IS U S U A L L Y N E E D E D .

T I R E MAT

L O G R A F T C H A I N E D OR
CABLEDTOGETHER.

TETHERED

FLOAT

FLOAT
TETHER
ANCHOR - / '

F L O A T S P L A C E D IN ROWS.
V

PLATFORM ^

SECTION

ARRANGEMENT SIMILAR TO SPHERES.

S T E E L DRUMS WITH B A L L A S T S C A N
B E USEO IN L I E U O F T I R E S .

FIG. 1.Various Types of Breakwaters

305

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FLOATING BREAKWATER TYPES

In recent times, many types, of floating breakwaters have been modeltested and some have been constructed. Ref. 8 provides a comprehensive survey of floating breakwater types. These breakwaters can be subdivided into four general categories: box, pontoon, mat, and tethered
float. Some floating breakwaters in each category are shown in Fig, 1.
The box, pontoon, and mat types have considerable model and prototype experience, which is summarized in this paper. The tethered float
is only identified as a unique type worthy of a separate category. However, since the known published information (summarized in Ref. 8) is
experimental, the tethered float breakwater is not examined further in
this paper.
PROTOTYPE PERFORMANCE

Performance of prototype installations was recently investigated for

the east and west coasts of the U.S. These surveys (2,14) showed that
used tire mats were used primarily on the east coast and concrete box
or pontoon types, on the west coast. The tire mats had a high failure
rate or exhibited poor performance due mainly to placement at sites where
wave forces exceeded the mooring system capacity, flotation material
was lost, or flexure failure of connection materials occurred. Better analysis of site conditions and a proper engineering design of the tying materials and mooring system could decrease the failure rate. Although
modular connection and mooring hardware are their weaker points, the
concrete box or pontoon breakwaters have generally performed satisfactorily; however, their first cost is considerably higher than tire breakwaters. Life cycle costs between various types of floating breakwaters
have not been developed.
TIRE MAT BREAKWATER

Three types of tire mats have been model-tested and constructed: Wave
Maze, Goodyear, and Wave-Guard (also called Pole-tire and pipe-tire)
as shown in Figs. 2-4. Advantages of the tire mat'breakwater are: (1)
Low cost; (2) easily removed and beached for maintenance or to prevent
ice damage; (3) can be constructed with unskilled labor and minimal
equipment; (4) lower anchor loads than box type; and (5) much lower
reflected waves than box type. Disadvantages are:
1. Lack of buoyancy.Loss of trapped air in tire crown, marine growth,
and silt accumulation in tire bottom can sink the breakwater. In order
to ensure flotation, foam is usually needed for extra buoyancy and regular maintenance is needed to control marine growth. Holes in tire bottom can be used to prevent or reduce silt accumulation.
2. Design life.Design life of the tire breakwater is still unknown. A
properly designed breakwater and mooring system with adequate maintenance may have a 15-20-yr life.
3. Limited application.Present use has shown that tire mat breakwaters are only effective in mild wave climates (less than 3-ft high, 3308

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FIG. a.-r-Wave Maze (Ref. 11)

, Cornet tires are
.rotated 100

Note: Each individual

module is 1.98 by 2.13 by
0.76 m.

'

FIG. 3.Goodyear (After Ref. 7)

B-

<=*=*=*(II 3 S l

ocDcajn n

ngggEjK^acz^r,

] J J [ JrCZHmcZKZIKZZH-

-H

CHAIN

- o o o ( [ JJ
ANCHOR

Q-

TIRE-STRING

J [ ]}CZHZ3C=M=K=>-

-H

fl flf1)c=H^H=H=H=i-

-Q

-CZMZ3C3{[]J

FIG. 4.Wave-Guard or Pipe Tire (After Ref. 10)

307

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1.0

1
H

/L<*0-04

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GOODYEAR-

^-WAVE-GUARD

C, 0.5

Dt
(cm)
GOODYEAR
WAVE-GUARD
WAVE-MAZE
i

H=WAVE HEIGHT
l_ = WAVE LENGTH
B = BREAKWATER WIDTH
p = BREAKWATER DRAFT
d=WATER DEPTH
W
(cm)

D/d

d/L

8.415 50-380 .06-.44 0.4-1.4

8.4
100 .06-;23 .10-.26
15 71-309 ,25-.52 .09-.69
1

3
L

B/D

7-42
14
5-11
1

/W

FIG. 5.Comparison of Wave Coefficient, c,, versus Wavelength-to-Breakwater

Width, L/W, for Wave Maze, Goodyear, and Wave-Guard Scrap Tire Floating
Breakwaters (After Ref. 9)

sec period waves). Wide mats or a series of unconnected mats may extend application to more severe wave climates.
4. Litter entrapment.Field experience shows the tire mat breakwaters tend to accumulate floating debris, which some consider unattractive.
Fig. 5 shows the wave attenuation performance of the Goodyear, Wave
Maze, and Wave-Guard breakwaters. Caution must be used in extrapolating the L/W (wavelength-to-breakwater width) parameter for design.
Final design generally is based on "model" or "prototype" tests of the
site-specific proposed mat dimensions and predicted wave climate. Refs.
7 and 10 present prototype scale wave tank tests of the Goodyear and
Wave-Guard breakwaters. Model test data for the Wave Maze are found
in Ref. 11.
Box

BREAKWATER

Most box-type breakwaters have been constructed of reinforced concrete modules. The modules either have flexible connections or are preor post-tensioned to make them act as a single unit. Modular and mooring connections are primary points of concern for this type of design.
Presently installed floating box breakwaters have a cross section less than
25 ft (7.6 m) wide with 5 ft (1.5 m) or less draft. Large units can be made
either of steel or concrete. New or use^d barges may be suitable when
large units are needed. Standard barges built for the inland waterways
are 175 ft (53.3 m) long, 26 ft (7.9 m) wide, and 11 ft (3.4 m) deep. Jumbo
barges are 195 ft (59.4 m) long, 35 ft (10.7 m) wide, and 12 ft (3.7 m)
deep. Barges 175 ft (53.3 m) by 26 ft (7.9 m) cost about $230,000 new,
and the 195 ft (59.4 m) by 35 ft (10.7 m) barges cost about $300,000 new
(1981 prices). Used barges can be purchased for 50% or less than new
308

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FIG. 6.Physical Model of Solid Rectangular Box-Type Floating Breakwater Evaluated In Two- and Three-Dimensional Wave Flume for Potential Application at
Olympia Harbor, Washington (Ref. 4)

OPEN HOPPER BARGES

LENGTH
FEET

BREADTH
FEET

DRAFT
FEET

CAPACITY

26

JUMBO

175
195

1000

330-290

35
40-52

JUMBO

1500
2500-3000

LENGTH
FEET

BREADTH
FEET

DRAFT
FEET

CAPACITY

STANDARD

175

26

1000

JUMBO

195

35

1500

TYPE
STANDARD
SUPER

TONS

COVERED HOPPER BARGES

TYPE

TONS

INTEGRATED CHEMICAL AND PETROLEUM BARGES

LENGTH
FEET

BREADTH
FEET

DRAFT
FEET

CAPACITY
TONS

FIG. 7.Predominate Barge Sizes in United States (Ref. 12)

costs. Other barges are made up to 300 ft (91.4 m) long, 54 ft (16.5 m)

wide, and 12 ft (3.7 m) deep. The barges could be ballasted to the desired draft with sand or rock. Some prototype (1) and model (5,13) tests
have been made of barges with one end submerged to form an inclined
pontoon breakwater. Fig. 6 shows a typical surface-type concrete unit,
and Fig. 7 shows typical barges used on the inland waterways system.
Advantages of the box-type breakwater are: (1) 50-yr design life; (2) unit
will allow pedestrian access for fishing and temporary boat moorage; (3)
simple shape to build (however, construction requires a high degree of
quality control); (4) proven performance; and (5) effective in moderate
wave climate.
309

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1
MODEL SCALE:
BTWT DlMEN-

V
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N
w n FT

\V

1 : 10

12- ANO 16-FT WIDE

96-FT LONG
5-FT DEEP
3.5-FT DRAFT

WAVE CONDITIONS: H = 1.5 - 3.5 FT

T = 2.S - 4.0 SFC
d = 25 FT

inurr

ANCHOR CHAINS; CROSSED

V-

FIG. 8.Wave Transmission Coefficient, c,, versus Breakwater Width to Wavelength, W/L, for Box-Type Breakwater Tested for Olympia Harbor, Washington
(After Ref. 4)
Disadvantages are: (1) High cost compared with the mat type; (2)
maintenance, if damaged, may require towing to dry dock; and (3) connectors can be a problem if not adequately designed.
Fig. 8 shows the wave attenuation performance of the box-type breakwater. The caution of using the L/W (or W/L) parameter discussed above

\ \

W
FIG. 9.Module of Open Compartment (Ladder Type) Floating Breakwater Used
In Two-Dimenslonal Model Study of Olympia Harbor, Washington (Ref. 4)

FIG. 10.-Twin-Pontoon (Catamaran Type) Floating Breakwater Considered for OaSc

Harbor, Washington (Ref. 6)
310
^i
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2J-FT
120-FT
6-FT
4.5-FT

WIDE
LONG
DEEP
DRAFT

FIG. 11.Wave Transmission Coefficient, c,, versus Breakwater, Width to Wavelength, W/L, for Ladder Type Breakwater for Olympia Harbor, Washington (After
Ref. 4)

also applies to box-type breakwaters. Large deviations can be expected

in attenuation coefficients when moorings are modified due to development of harmonics in the spring mass system.
PONTOON BREAKWATER

A typical pontoon type (also called Alaska or ladder type) is shown

in Fig. 9. A smaller, less expensive twin pontoon (catamaran type) is
shown in Fig. 10. Advantages and disadvantages of the pontoon breakwater and caution on L/W (or W/L) parameter are similar to the box
type. See Fig. 11 for wave attenuation data on the ladder type and Figs.
12 and 13 for the wave attenuation and mooring force data on the catamaran type.
MOORING

Floating breakwater can be held in place by: (1) Piling, which allows
the breakwater to rise and fall with the tide but not move laterally; (2)
concrete mass or ship anchors and line; or (3) stake piles and line. The
three types of moorings are shown in Figs. 14-16. Pile-anchored breakwaters are limited to fairly shallow sites [about 30-ft (9.1-m) water depth]
and require suitable bottom material to allow adequate pile penetration
and sufficient lateral strength. Stake piles can be steel H beams or timber. Generally, they are driven below the mud line to develop the greatest strength and prevent destruction of wood piles by marine borers.
Stake piles are suitable for fairly firm foundations and water depth less
than 50 ft (15.2 m). Anchors can be the deadweight type, such as concrete blocks or ship anchors. Deadweight anchors (shown in Fig. 17) can
be used in any water depth, but work best in sand or mud bottoms to
311

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3.5 SEC

.-'
-3.0 SEC

*'s

2.0 SEC'
0

^ - 2 . 5 SEC
1

1
3

1
4

INCIDENT WAVE HEIGHT H , FT

d = 10 FT

d =?9.5 FT

FIG. 12.Wave Transmission Data for Chain Moored Twin-Pontoon Floating

Breakwater Considered for Oak Harbor, Washington (After Ref. 6)

allow some embedment. Concrete block anchors with skirts use soil shear
strength to develop greater load capacity than similar weight concrete
block anchors. Propellant-embedded anchors (shown in Fig, 18) could
also be considered. Mooring lines can be synthetic (such as nylon), chain,
steel cable, or combinations of these three. Line elasticity must be considered to estimate loads transferred to the anchor or stake pile. Two
methods which have been proposed to reduce the impact loads on the
anchor are to include tires in the mooring line (Fig. 19) or clump weights
hanging on the line (Fig. 20). These devices are intended to act as shock
absorbers; however, a prototype test of a concrete box floating breakwater in Puget Sound, Washington, showed anchor forces were higher
with clump weights than without. Mooring lines can be crossed as shown
in Fig. 21, or uncrossed as in Fig. 22. An advantage of crossed lines is
to provide additional keel clearance for boats moored alongside. If crossed
312

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V ^1
i

WAVH PERIOD
SEC

25

WAVE PERIOD
SEC
3.0

'

// /
//

3/

1
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1
WAVE PERIOD
SEC
3.5

7 /

^
-IDENT

WAVE

HEIGH

J/A

^^

NCIDENT

WAVE: P E R I O D
SEC

2.0

WAVE

b r ^ "

HEIGHT

WATER DEPTH = 29.5 FT

LEGEND

TYPE

WERAGE

FOP1CI

O N E - T H I R D HIGHEST

TOTAL I N I T I A L FORCE ON T H E
S E A - S I D E ANCHORS WAS IOC LB PER
OF S T R U C T U R E WIDTH

FIG. 13.Chain Anchor Forces on Seaside of Twin-Pontoon Floating Breakwater

Considered for Oak Harbor, Washington (After Ref. 6)

|0|

(np-

"T2I
B R E A K W A T E R Uh IT

K51

R51

I31

lol

FIG. 14.Pile Anchorage

FIG. 15.Anchor and Line

CHAIN OR L I N E

}^/>>jj/;^}^j,///^,,^T^ffTj>j?jjj>}?}/^rTTr^rr/t?jf/j))'i'j'//^)'i>}'///>}i>/lf
tjt (f f
',!M.i/""<j

mm

tuu^'

'J<!1W^

<<.<!,m.lt.<&!.M""}{<il.W<j(.'.
FIRM

BOTTOM

FIG. 16.Stake Pile and Line

313

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NAVY ST0CKLES5
ANCHOR

S T A T O ANCHOR

D A N F O R T H ANCHOR

BOSS ANCHOR

L I G H T WEIGHT
(LWT) ANCHOR

MUSHROOM
ANCHOR

EMBEDMENT ANCHORS

PENETRATIOl

FIG. 17.Ship Anchors (After Ref. 16)

FIG. 18.Propellant-Emhedded Anchors

(After Ref. 15)

FIG. 19.Tire Load Dampers

y<

7VX7

^7X7^

" ^ W

FIG. 20.Clump-Weight Load Dampers

-^=-

r~~T
ANCHOR

LINE

Zh.
FIG. 21.Crossed Anphor Lines

FIG. 22.Uncrossed Anchor Lines

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FIG. 23.Single Floating Breakwater Layout

FIG. 24.Multiple Floating Breakwater Layout

lines are used, they should be offset to prevent chafing. Mooring line
scope is usually between 3-1 and 5-1 regardless of anchorage type.
BREAKWATER LAYOUT

Breakwaters can be arranged as a single line of defense or a series of

lines that reduce the wave to acceptable height. Example layouts are
shown in Figs. 23 and 24. A multiple breakwater layout was model-tested
for protection of the Seabrook Lock approach, Lake Pontchartrain, La.
(3).
BREAKWATER LIMITATION

Presently, most floating breakwater applications are for short-period

wind wave or boat wake protection at semisheltered sites in estuaries,
reservoirs, lakes, and rivers. The limiting design wave for single box or
pontoon type breakwaters is presently 4 ft high and 4 sec period. However, future investigations of larger structures, such as barges, inclined
pontoon, and multiple rows of breakwaters, may extend application to
longer periods and higher waves. Caution must be used in extrapolating
the L/VV parameter for design. Final design is usually based on model
or prototype tests of the proposed breakwater and predicted wave climate. Periodic maintenance is usually needed to repair damage from
fatigue, abrasion, and electrolysis.
COST DATA

Table 1 lists some prototype breakwaters with design conditions and

costs.
315

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TABLE 1.Floating Breakwater Construction Costs

Location

(D
Lund, British
Columbia,
Canada
Tenekee, Alaska

Construction
date
(2)

Type
(3)

(Height)
(width)
(length),
in feet
(4)

Design
Wave

Transmission H
coeffiin
cient
feet
(5)
(6)

T, in
seconds
(7)

Anchor type
(8)

Total
cost
per
foot,
in
dollars
(9)

1966

Pontoon
A frame

(18) (25) (360)

Draft 12-18

0.4

4.5

2.8

Deadweight

230

1972

Pontoon
Alaska
type
Box
Reinforced
concrete
Box
Reinforced
concrete

(5) (21) (300)

Draft 3.7

0.5

Deadweight

425

(3) (12) (1,550)

Draft 1.8

0.3

2.5

Stake pile

175

(4.5) (15) (390)

Draft 3.5

3.5

Deadweight

580

(6) (21) (2,100)

Draft 4.7

0.5

3.2

3.5

Deadweight

1,400

(5.5) (16) (700)

Draft 3.5

0.4

2.0

2.8

Piling through
cast holes

1,175

(30) (540)

Ship anchor

46b

(19.5) (400)

Tied to piling

24b

(30) (650)

Mushroom
anchors and
railroad
wheels

16"

Port Orchard,
Washington

1974

University of
Washington
Laboratory
Friday Harbor,
Washington
Ketchican,
Alaska

1978

East Bay
Olympia,
Washington
Little Harbor
Gilford,
Connecticut
Keewandin Point
Alexandria
Bay, New York
Lake Champlain
Westpoint,
New Jersey

1983

1980

1977
1979

1978

Pontoon
Alaska
type
Box
Reinforced
concrete
Mat
Goodyear
tire
Mat
Goodyear
tire
Mat
Goodyear
tire

Anchor system failed during severe storm; Hs = 6-8 ft in 1978.

Approximate estimates from owners, probably low (3).
Note: 1 ft = 0.305 m.

DESIGN STUDIES

The following studies will usually be needed to develop a suitable design:

1. Wave Forecasts.Wave forecast procedures or mathematical models
can be used for preliminary design. Wind and wave measurements at
the site are recommended for final design.
2. Water Level, Current, and Ice Conditions.
3. Hydrographic Surveys.
4. Foundation Exploration.This would include bottom samples and
bore holes needed for mooring system design.
5. Determine Level of Protection.
6. Select Suitable Methods of Protection.These can be floating
breakwater and conventional bottom-connected breakwater. Reference
material in Appendix I should be reviewed.
7. Select Mooring System.Driving and pulling test piles combined
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with borehole data can be used to evaluate the stake pile mooring system.
8, Model Tests.Models are usually needed to predict wave transmission conditions a n d anchor load. Mathematical models can be u s e d
for preliminary design; however, physical hydraulic models are usually
needed for final design. Two-dimensional flume models are u s e d for
wave transmission characteristics a n d anchor loads. Three-dimensional
models are needed to determine wave heights at various locations in a
boat basin as a result of wave transmission u n d e r the breakwater a n d
diffraction through the basin entrance. Irregular wave generators should
be used for both two- and three-dimensional hydraulic model tests w h e n
possible.
9. Estimate Costs for Suitable Designs.
10. Evaluate Environmental Impacts.
11. Select Best Design.Consider reliability, durability, cost, a n d social and environmental impacts.
CONCLUSIONS

Floating breakwaters can provide suitable protection measures for small

boat harbor at some locations. However, they must be properly designed for the site conditions with an understanding of their limitations.
This paper presents an inventory of typical floating breakwater types,
their limitations, and some design considerations.
APPENDIX,REFERENCES

1. Atturio, J. M., and Jones, D. B., "Sloping Float Breakwater: Initial Model
Tests and Handling Tests of Navy Lighter (NL) Pontoon Modules," Technical
Note N-1601, U.S. Navy Civil Engineering Laboratory, Port Hueneme, Calif.,
Feb., 1981.
2. Baird, A. V., and Ross, N. W., "Field Experiences with Floating Breakwater]
in the Eastern United States," MP 82-4, U.S. Army Coastal Engineering Research Center, CE, Fort Belvoir, Va., July, 1982.
^
3. Bottin, R. R., and Turner, K. A., "Seabrook Lock Complex, Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, Design for Wave Protection at Lock Entrance; Hydraulic
Model Investigation," Technical Report HL-80-7, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, CE, Vicksburg, Miss., May, 1980.
4. Carver, R. D., "Floating Breakwater Wave-Attenuation Tests for East Bay
Marina, Olympia Harbor, Washington; Hydraulic Model Investigation,"
Technical Report HL-79-13, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, CE, Vicksburg, Miss., July, 1979.
5. Carver, R. D., Markle, D. G., and Dubose, W. G., "Sloping Float Breakwater
Study: Oregon Inlet, N.C.," U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment
Station, CE, Vicksburg, Miss., unpublished.
6. Davidson, D. D., "Wave Transmission and Mooring Force Tests on Floating
Breakwater, Oak Harbor, Washington; Hydraulic Model Investigation,"
Technical Report H-71-3, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station,
CE, Vicksburg, Miss., Apr., 1971.
7. Giles, M. L., and Sorensen, R. M., "Prototype Scale Mooring Load and
Transmission Tests for a Floating Tire Breakwater," TP 78-3, U.S. Army Coastal
Engineering Research Center, CE, Fort Belvoir, Va., Apr., 1978.
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