1
Introduction
Coastal engineering is a multidisciplinary field that seeks to comprehend the complex
interactions between waves, coastal structures, and the shoreline. Waves play a fundamental role
in shaping coastal environments and significantly influence the design and construction of
various coastal works, including ports, shore protection measures, and coastal defense structures.
Understanding the effects of waves on coastal areas is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability
of coastal communities. To enhance our comprehension of these dynamics, extensive research
has been conducted, drawing insights from esteemed coastal engineering reference books such as
the "Shore Protection Manual" (CERC, 1984), the rock armor guide (CETMEF, 2009), and the
"Coastal Engineering Manual" (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 2012).
Overtopping, the phenomenon where waves exceed the crest of coastal structures and flow onto
protected areas, has significant implications for ports. It poses safety risks to personnel, vessels,
and infrastructure, while also eroding protective structures and contributing to coastal erosion. Its
events disrupt port operations, causing delays and financial losses. Predicting and understanding
overtopping is then important. Our estimation of wave overtopping relies on extensive global
research that has employed diverse Machine Learning methods. Several notable studies have
been instrumental in this field, including the research conducted by Verhaeghe, H., Meer, J. W.,
et al. (2003); Gosse, J. S., Jentsje Wouter, v. d.., et al. (2004); Gent, M. R., Boogaard, H. F., et
al. (2007); Bieman, J. P., al, J. M. (2020); and a, J. P., Gent, M. R. (2021). Additionally, we have
benefited from the pioneering contributions of Amara, L. and Chalal, Y. (2022), who were the
first students to introduce this subject at ENSSMAL.
This thesis aims to investigate the wave and wind climate, extreme events, breakwater design,
hydraulic performance, overtopping prediction using machine learning techniques and a study of
the wave flume. By integrating these various aspects, this thesis aims to contribute to the
development of robust coastal engineering practices and effective strategies for mitigating
overtopping risks in wave-impacted areas.
In the first chapter, we focus on the wind and wave climate off Algiers Bay. This study begins by
analyzing a database of about 30 years records to draw rose diagrams and extract the frequent
directions in order to understanding the wave characteristics.
Introduction
Coastal engineering is a multidisciplinary field that seeks to comprehend the complex
interactions between waves, coastal structures, and the shoreline. Waves play a fundamental role
in shaping coastal environments and significantly influence the design and construction of
various coastal works, including ports, shore protection measures, and coastal defense structures.
Understanding the effects of waves on coastal areas is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability
of coastal communities. To enhance our comprehension of these dynamics, extensive research
has been conducted, drawing insights from esteemed coastal engineering reference books such as
the "Shore Protection Manual" (CERC, 1984), the rock armor guide (CETMEF, 2009), and the
"Coastal Engineering Manual" (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 2012).
Overtopping, the phenomenon where waves exceed the crest of coastal structures and flow onto
protected areas, has significant implications for ports. It poses safety risks to personnel, vessels,
and infrastructure, while also eroding protective structures and contributing to coastal erosion. Its
events disrupt port operations, causing delays and financial losses. Predicting and understanding
overtopping is then important. Our estimation of wave overtopping relies on extensive global
research that has employed diverse Machine Learning methods. Several notable studies have
been instrumental in this field, including the research conducted by Verhaeghe, H., Meer, J. W.,
et al. (2003); Gosse, J. S., Jentsje Wouter, v. d.., et al. (2004); Gent, M. R., Boogaard, H. F., et
al. (2007); Bieman, J. P., al, J. M. (2020); and a, J. P., Gent, M. R. (2021). Additionally, we have
benefited from the pioneering contributions of Amara, L. and Chalal, Y. (2022), who were the
first students to introduce this subject at ENSSMAL.
This thesis aims to investigate the wave and wind climate, extreme events, breakwater design,
hydraulic performance, overtopping prediction using machine learning techniques and a study of
the wave flume. By integrating these various aspects, this thesis aims to contribute to the
development of robust coastal engineering practices and effective strategies for mitigating
overtopping risks in wave-impacted areas.
In the first chapter, we focus on the wind and wave climate off Algiers Bay. This study begins by
analyzing a database of about 30 years records to draw rose diagrams and extract the frequent
directions in order to understanding the wave characteristics.