Research affirms breakwater effectiveness
To better understand how breakwaters function and to perfect their products, SF Marinas team collaborates with professional research institutes throughout the world.
Recent testing of the Sweden based company’s new SF Type 600 floating breakwater confirmed the predicted wave attenuation was correct.
The SF Type 600 concrete breakwater was tested by the Water and Environmental Engineering Research Group at the University of La Coruna in Galicia, Spain. A 1/15 scale model represented a 100m floating breakwater. Moored on a chain, the model was floated in a basin that measured 34m long by 32m wide, with a depth of 1.1m. A total of 52 tests were conducted, with conductive sensor probes analyzing wave heights, transmission coefficients and reflective wave properties.
“Nothing is straightforward about the physics of waves, said SF Marina CEO Lars Gunnar Odhe. “Through research and extensive testing, we improve our knowledge so we can offer the customer the best solution for their situation.”
Engineers from SF Sweden, SF Marina USA, SF UAE, MSI (SF France/Spain), SF Turkey, and staff were gratified when the tests confirmed that the SF Type 600 performed as SF Marina had predicted. In addition to this trial, this floating breakwater design has been successfully exposed to ice stress. A smaller version, Type 400, was earlier tested by the INHA Wave Laboratory in Barcelona, Spain.
With each section measuring 20m long by 6m wide by 2.4m high, rugged SF Type 600 concrete breakwaters are designed to combat high seas and severe storms on large bodies of water. Virtually unsinkable, the floats are constructed from high quality, reinforced concrete and styrofoam for strength, stability and buoyancy.
The floating breakwaters have a service life of 30 to 50 years. Using an advanced mooring system, the durable structures are traditionally secured with chains and concrete or hot-dipped galvanized steel anchors. Alternative mooring methods employ Sea-Flex and piles.
The SF Type 600 breakwaters are available in standard sizes or are customizable. Wider and bigger units are under development. Helping marinas expand into unprotected water, they are easy to install or move as needed.
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