Crown Walls in Mass and Reinforced Concrete: The Way to Aesthetics in Maritime Works

Abstract

Maritime works are characterized by their remarkable size, length, depth and extraordinarily great demand for natural or artificial materials. To this effect, despite functional designs or the ultimate limit state, a breakwater crown wall can increase the overall effectiveness of the structure in limiting wave overtopping. It will contribute to a reduction of volume of material required and hence the cost to achieve a given level of performance depending on the precautions to be taken on the basis of the critical discharges for functional safety (vehicles, pedestrian and buildings) and structural safety (embankment and revetment seawalls), amongst others. In many cases, bulky mass-concrete elements are designed without any steel reinforcement. Sometimes this effect causes cracking problems in large volumes. The step to slender reinforced concrete elements may take a leap to the aesthetic factor and visual landscape integration in maritime works. In addition, the use of other materials, shapes and colours can bring breakwaters and crown walls to life by creating new functions for maritime works such as a promenade, relaxation or visual enjoyment areas. The aim of this article is to reflect on the issue of bulky mass concrete elements or rebars in slender reinforced concrete crown walls and how the use of these slender elements can bring with it excellent artistic developments as well as the use of other materials in mass concrete sloping, vertical and composite breakwaters and their crown walls. Some breakwaters are no longer just mere defence works but are becoming pieces of art.