A coupled finite-element study of a layered breakwater and its foundation under repeated prescribed wave pressure—developed to understand response across the complete section rather than through a single monitoring point.
Crest movement is useful, but it cannot describe what is happening at the seaward toe, within the core or in the supporting foundation. This study was developed as a reference framework for examining those response zones together under repeated loading.
The numerical model makes it possible to compare response at different parts of the section and to follow how deformation and internal actions develop through successive loading stages.
The objective is not to turn a single contour or displacement value into a design verdict. The model is used to identify where closer engineering investigation is justified.
The breakwater is represented as a layered continuum so the principal material zones and their interaction can be considered within one numerical system. Saturated regions are treated with coupled displacement–pore-pressure behaviour, while the reference material model captures the frictional response of the granular system.
The full section is discretised as a connected continuum, with closer representation through slope transitions, the seaward toe and changes in geometry where local response deserves more attention.
The animation combines selected Abaqus response fields with real-wave reference footage to make the engineering question easier to read visually. The footage is illustrative; the finite-element model itself uses prescribed wave-pressure and pore-pressure boundary conditions rather than direct free-surface wave simulation.
For rubble-mound breakwaters, the important question is rarely a single output value. The value lies in comparing response across the crest, slopes, toe, core and foundation and using those patterns to guide deeper assessment, sensitivity studies or project-specific verification.
This study is presented as a numerical reference and capability demonstration, not as a site-specific design verification. The model represents the breakwater layers as continuum regions and applies prescribed loading at the numerical boundaries.
Layered continuum behaviour, pore-pressure effects, effective stress, deformation and localised nonlinear response under repeated prescribed loading.
Individual armour-unit rearrangement, free-surface wave breaking, impact, run-up, overtopping and scour are not directly resolved in this reference model.
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