Estimation of wave run-up on smooth, impermeable slopes using the wave momentum flux parameter

This paper re-examines existing wave run-up data for regular, irregular and solitary waves on smooth, impermeable plane slopes. A simple physical argument is used to derive a new wave run-up equation in terms of a dimensionless wave parameter representing the maximum, depth-integrated momentum flux in a wave as it reaches the toe of the structure slope. This parameter is a physically relevant descriptor of wave forcing having units of force. The goal of the study was to provide an estimation technique that was as good as existing formulas for breaking wave run-up and better at estimating nonbreaking wave run-up. For irregular waves breaking on the slope, a single formula for the 2% run-up elevation proved sufficient for all slopes in the range 2/3less than or equal totanalphaless than or equal to1/30. A slightly different formula is given for nonbreaking wave run-up. In addition, two new equations for breaking and nonbreaking solitary maximum wave run-up on smooth, impermeable plane slopes are presented in terms of the wave momentum flux parameter for solitary waves. This illustrates the utility of the wave momentum flux parameter for nonperiodic waves. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.