Projects

Rapidly Installed Breakwater (RIB) System

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| RIB Home | Laboratory Experiments | Design | Field Study | Personnel |

INTRODUCTION

The Rapidly Installed Breakwater (RIB) is being developed by the Coastal Engineering Research Center (CERC) of the U. S. Army Waterways Experiment Station to meet the needs of military operations known as 'Logistics Over-The-Shore'(LOTS). The RIB System is designed to reduce wave height in its lee providing calm water for the ships involved in LOTS operations so that smaller craft and lighters can safely be loaded with cargo for delivery to shore. The design of the RIB System has been demonstrated profitable at small scale in various research facilities. A mid-scale model of the RIB System is being tested during May and June 1996 in Currituck Sound, adjacent to the Field Research Facility (FRF) at Duck, North Carolina.

RIB SYSTEM CONCEPT

As shown in the picture above, the V-shape is designed to spread wave fronts apart based on geometric spreading and coupled deflections of wave motion. Incident waves are deflected at the apex of the "V", providing a sheltered area inside and for some distance in the lee of the structure. Mooring loads are minimized because the structure is designed to deflect incoming wave energy rather than absorbing or reflecting it.