Experimental Study on the Energy Dissipation Characteristics of Stepped Embankments

Abstract

In this study, we discuss the energy dissipation characteristics of stepped embankments by using both the regular and irregular waves in a physical wave flume. The present stepped obstacle is different from those of traditional stepped dikes with fixed horizontal and vertical stage surface as previously investigated by many experts and scholars, the angle of the present stepped surface varies with the slope of the embankment surface, with various interaction angles between the incident waves and the rough stepped surfaces. The stepped embankments were composed of six types of stepped arrangements under five different slopes to analyze the wave run-up heights and reflection coefficients. The results showed that Case F and Case G have better mitigation effects on wave run-up, and the maximum run-up height and reflection coefficient reduced more than 50%. Case F was most performance, while Case D is less effectiveness. The influence of the step shape factor on the wave reflection is minor compared to the embankment slope. Actor on the wave reflection is minor compared to the embankment slope.