Modelling wave reflection on sloping foreshores with sea walls

This paper presents the findings of a study on the mechanics of wave reflection on sloping foreshores with sea walls. A series of numerical experiments have been performed using a weakly non-linear 1-D finite difference model of the Boussinesq equations. The capabilities of the model have been investigated and the underlying hydrodynamic processes assessed. The model has also been tested against full-scale experimental data. The results show that a Boussinesq model can be used to model the wave field in front of a reflecting structure with good accuracy. Further analysis of this situation shows that the cross-shore profile of the wave velocity skewness for this case is a function of the nature of the sloping bed. These changes in skewness will have a significant effect on the morphodynamics of the foreshore.