Floating breakwaters
Floating breakwaters
Floating breakwaters represent an alternative solution to protect an area from wave attack, compared to conventional fixed breakwaters and can be effective in coastal areas with mild wave environment conditions. Therefore, they have been increasingly used aiming at protecting small craft harbours or marinas or, less frequently, the shoreline, aiming at erosion control.
Some of the conditions that favour FB are:
- Poor foundation
Floating breakwaters might be a proper solution where poor foundations possibilities prohibit the application of bottom supported breakwaters.
- Deep water
In water depths in excess of 6 m, bottom connected breakwaters are often more expensive than floating breakwaters.
- Water quality
Floating breakwaters present a minimum interference with water circulation and fish migration.
- Ice problems
Floating breakwaters can be removed and towed to protected areas if ice formation is a problem. They may be suitable for areas where summer anchorage or moorage is required.
- Visual impact
Floating breakwaters have a low profile and present a minimum intrusion on the horizon, particularly for areas with high tide ranges.
- Breakwater layout
Floating breakwaters can usually be rearranged into a new layout with minimum effort.
