Numerical Simulations of Wave Impact Forces on the Open-Type Sea Access Road Using A Two-Phase SPH Model

A numerical study based on a two-dimensional two-phase SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) model to analyze the action of water waves on open-type sea access roads is presented. The study is a continuation of the analyses presented by Chen et al. (2022), in which the sea access roads are semi-immersed. In this new configuration, the sea access roads are placed above the still water level, therefore the presence of the air phase becomes a relevant issue in the determination of the wave forces acting on the structures. Indeed, the comparison of wave forces on the open-type sea access roads obtained from the single and two-phase SPH models with the experimental results shows that the latter are in much better agreement. So in the numerical simulations, a two-phase δ-SPH model is adopted to investigate the dynamical problems. Based on the numerical results, the maximum horizontal and uplifting wave forces acting on the sea access roads are analyzed by considering different wave conditions and geometries of the structures. In particular, the presence of the girder is analyzed and the differences in the wave forces due to the air cushion effects which are created below the structure are highlighted.