Breakwater and shore protection

ARC has the experience and equipment to provide and manage many different types of breakwaters, erosion control and protection, and rip-rap placement projects. From design to placement, we have the expertise to implement the meticulous attention to detail that is required for a
trouble-free installation. Our fleet of equipment gives us the opportunity to not only transport the appropriate materials, but the ability to prepare
the site for placement, efficiently and effectively.

Many Different Types Of Breakwaters

Breakwaters are structures built along the coast or in harbors to protect ships, boats, and coastal areas from the impacts of waves and currents. There are several different types of breakwaters, including:

  1. Rubble mound breakwaters: These are the most common type of breakwater and consist of a core of large rocks or concrete blocks, covered with smaller rocks.
  2. Vertical breakwaters: These are vertical structures that are built to deflect waves and reduce their energy. They are typically made of concrete or steel.
  3. Composite breakwaters: These are a combination of rubble mound and vertical breakwaters, and are designed to provide the benefits of both types.
  4. Floating breakwaters: These are floating platforms that can be anchored in place to provide protection from waves and currents.
  5. Submerged breakwaters: These are structures that are placed underwater, typically made of concrete or steel, and are designed to reduce the energy of waves and currents.
  6. Accropodes breakwaters: These are concrete blocks that are designed to interlock with each other, creating a stable and durable structure.
  7. Geotextile tube breakwaters: These are large tubes filled with sand, gravel, or other materials, and are designed to absorb the energy of waves and currents.

 

The choice of breakwater type depends on factors such as the local wave climate, water depth, and the amount of protection required. Each type of breakwater has its own advantages and disadvantages, and a careful analysis of the site and its requirements is necessary to choose the most appropriate type of breakwater.

Here are some additional details on the different types of breakwaters:

  1. Rubble mound breakwaters: These are often preferred because they are cost-effective and can be built using locally available materials. They are also effective at reducing wave energy and providing sheltered areas for ships and boats.
  2. Vertical breakwaters: These are effective at deflecting waves and reducing their energy, but they can be more expensive to build than rubble mound breakwaters. They are often used in areas with strong waves and currents, such as harbors and ports.
  3. Composite breakwaters: These are often used in areas where both wave deflection and energy absorption are required. They can be more expensive to build than single-type breakwaters, but they offer greater flexibility and can be tailored to specific site conditions.
  4. Floating breakwaters: These are typically used in areas where the water depth is too great for traditional breakwaters. They are also effective at reducing wave energy and can be more easily removed or relocated than other types of breakwaters.
  5. Submerged breakwaters: These are often used in areas where the visual impact of a breakwater needs to be minimized. They can be effective at reducing wave energy, but they can be more expensive to build than other types of breakwaters.
  6. Accropodes breakwaters: These are preferred in areas with strong waves and currents because they are designed to interlock and provide a stable structure. They can be more expensive to build than other types of breakwaters, but they can offer greater durability and longevity.
  7. Geotextile tube breakwaters: These are often used in areas where the environmental impact of a breakwater needs to be minimized. They are typically less expensive to build than other types of breakwaters, but they may not be as durable or effective at reducing wave energy.

In addition to these types of breakwaters, there are also other factors to consider when designing and building a breakwater, such as the shape and orientation of the structure, the size and weight of the materials used, and the potential impact on the surrounding environment. A careful analysis of these factors is necessary to ensure that the breakwater provides effective protection while minimizing its impact on the environment.