Analysis of coastal waves reproduced in laboratory facilities

Many coastal processes, such as long-shore and cross-shore currents, the dynamic equilibrium of beaches or the sediment transport are strictly correlated to the flow structure in the surf zone. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the behavior of breaking waves, focusing on the modifications of undertow and Reynolds shear stresses. For a long period, the Hydraulic research group of the Technical University of Bari has been carrying out many experiments in two different laboratory wave flumes of the Department of Civil, Environmental, Building Engineering and Chemistry. A Laser Doppler Anemometry system and a 3D Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter have been used to measure the wave field. To confirm some previous literature results and provide innovative insights on the turbulent behavior of the waves, also new measurements will be carried out with innovative instrumentation in a new wave flume, funded by PON PrInCE (20011–2014) and under construction.