Boussinesq modelling of tsunami and storm wave impact

Many coastal protection structures in the UK have been designed for storm surges with appropriate return periods, but their performance during tsunami-type waves is uncertain. A shallow water and Boussinesq model is well suited to the investigation of both near-shore storm waves and tsunami waves. This paper makes use of the model to compare the effect on coastal structures of solitary waves and storm waves. Wave run-up parameters for both types of wave are generated and shown to be in good agreement with experimental data. The equations behind the model were derived assuming a small bed slope and therefore are not suitable for modelling waves interacting with vertical and near-vertical structures. However, the introduction of a reverse momentum term, to take account of a jet of water typical of a breaking wave impacting against a structure, allows wave overtopping volumes to be well predicted, although it had a minor effect on the forces acting on the structure. Comparisons with experimental data, for bo...