Response of concrete armor units to wave-induced hydrodynamic loads

Concrete armor units are commonly employed for the protection of shorelines and rubble structures. Their design is based primarily on hydraulic stability, but their structural response to wave loading is poorly understood. In this first of two companion papers, a robust wave force model is presented that predicts hydrodynamic loads on A-Jacks concrete armor units. A comprehensive finite element method analysis indicates that the A-Jacks retain their structural integrity at hydraulically stable wave conditions. Nomographs to facilitate the structural design of A-Jacks are presented.