Home Back

Wave Runup Above Mean Water Level Calculator

Wave Runup Formula:

\[ R = H_d \times \varepsilon_o' \]

m
-

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Wave Runup?

Wave Runup is the maximum onshore elevation reached by waves, relative to the shoreline position in the absence of waves. It is a critical parameter in coastal engineering for designing coastal structures and assessing flood risks.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Wave Runup formula:

\[ R = H_d \times \varepsilon_o' \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula calculates wave runup by multiplying the deepwater wave height by the deepwater surf similarity parameter, which characterizes wave breaking behavior.

3. Importance of Wave Runup Calculation

Details: Accurate wave runup estimation is crucial for coastal structure design, flood risk assessment, and shoreline management planning.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter deepwater wave height in meters and deepwater surf similarity parameter (dimensionless). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Deepwater Surf Similarity Parameter?
A: Deepwater Surf Similarity Parameter is a dimensionless parameter used to model several effects of (breaking) surface gravity waves on beaches and coastal structures.

Q2: What are typical values for wave runup?
A: Wave runup values vary significantly depending on wave conditions and beach slope, typically ranging from 0.5 to 3 times the wave height.

Q3: When is this formula most applicable?
A: This simplified formula is most applicable for preliminary estimates and specific coastal conditions where the linear relationship holds.

Q4: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: Yes, this simplified approach may not account for complex bathymetry, wave-wave interactions, or non-linear effects in extreme conditions.

Q5: Should this be used for final engineering design?
A: For final engineering design, more sophisticated models and physical model testing are recommended to account for site-specific conditions.

Wave Runup Above Mean Water Level Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025