Methodology for overtopping risk assessment in port areas. Application to the Port of Praia da Vitória (Azores, Portugal)

Abstract

In this paper, a methodology to assess the risk associated with wave overtopping in port areas is presented. The methodology is implemented in the GUIOMAR system, which is an integrated system for port and coastal engineering modelling, developed in a GIS commercial software. The overtopping determination is performed by using empirical tools. To assess the risk of overtopping, the combination of the probability of occurrence of an event of wave overtopping and of the consequences of that occurrence is considered. The paper illustrates the application of this methodology to the Port of Praia da Vitória, at the Terceira Island, Azores Archipelago, considering the sea-wave conditions between 2009 and 2010.