In-Situ Measurement and Numerical Simulation of Wave Pressure on Marine Bridge Cofferdam

To study the wave pressure distribution on the cofferdam under wave loads, an in-situ measurement and several numerical simulations of the wave pressure on a large-scale steel cofferdam used for construction of a marine bridge were carried out. Through the regular wave simulation of measured significant wave height based on 3D diffraction analysis and representative method, the distribution pattern of peak wave pressures along the surface of the cofferdam and along water depth was obtained and compared with the measured results. Meanwhile, the dynamic wave pressure distribution along the surface of the cofferdam was analyzed and compared with the measured values as well. The results show that the 3D diffraction analysis gives reasonable results about the pressure distribution along the cofferdam. Under the influence of wave diffraction, the peak wave pressure and peak dynamic wave pressure presents a large value at the up-wave side, while a small value at the down-wave side. The maximum difference of dynamic pressure is up to 125%. The measured pressure increases with depth of water, while the peak dynamic wave pressure decreases with depth.