The design of breakwaters is not only an application of theory, but is also largely based on experience, therefore this chapter attempts to combine a set of simple rules into a design manual. However, it is felt that a set of design rules can never satisfactorily solve a design problem so it is essential to look into cross-sections of existing breakwaters, while reading this chapter. To facilitate this process, some examples of breakwaters in the Netherlands have been given. Studying this chapter with some degree of success is only possible if one analyzes the examples at the same time and wonders why the specific designs have been followed.

For this lecture you need to read Breakwaters and Closure Dams, Chapter 11