Wave-in-deck loads on coastal bridges and the role of air

Recent failures of coastal bridges during extreme storm events have focused attention on the need for research on wave loading of coastal structures suspended above the still water level. This paper presents findings from large-scale experimental work carried out in the wave basin of the Yokohama Port and Airport Technical Investigation Office. Measurements from physical model tests are used to gain insights on the dynamics of wave-loading of coastal bridges and to derive an “ad-hoc” prediction method for both quasi-static and impulsive wave loads. The effect of openings in the bridge deck is also discussed, and guidance derived for design purpose.