In the era of climate change, the adaptation of existing coastal structures as a response to potential increasing loads, has become a trending topic in coastal engineering.
In this context, this research is focussed on the evaluation of wave overtopping for conventional rubble mound breakwaters, modified by the introduction of a submerged berm. Recent studies illustrated how the introduction of emerged berms on the seaward slope reduces the wave overtopping. The goal then becomes to turn the spotlight on the submerged berms, whose effectiveness has yet to be attested. Therefore, the reliability of two different numerical models in detecting overtopping phenomenon have been assessed.
IHFOAM and SWASH have been used. The numerical models have been validated on the basis of experimental tests.
After highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, the numerical tools have been employed to evaluate the role of the submerged berm configuration on the overtopping discharge.
