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

Abstract

A methodology to assess the risk associated with wave overtopping in port areas is presented. The methodology is implemented in the HIDRALERTA system, which is an integrated system for port and coastal engineering modelling developed in a GIS commercial software. The evaluation of mean overtopping discharge per unit length of the structure crest is performed by using tools based on neural network analysis. 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 several structures along Praia da Vitória port and bay, at the Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal, considering sea-wave conditions predicted for the period between 2008 and 2012 and taking into account wind effect, as well as tide level influence on sea-wave propagation.