Editing Breakwater (structure) (section)

=== Caisson ===
[[Caisson (engineering)|Caisson]] breakwaters typically have vertical sides and are usually erected where it is desirable to [[Berth (moorings)|berth]] one or more vessels on the inner face of the breakwater. They use the mass of the caisson and the fill within it to resist the overturning forces applied by waves hitting them. They are relatively expensive to construct in shallow water, but in deeper sites they can offer a significant saving over revetment breakwaters.

An additional rubble mound is sometimes placed in front of the vertical structure in order to absorb wave energy and thus reduce wave reflection and horizontal wave pressure on the vertical wall. Such a design provides additional protection on the sea side and a quay wall on the inner side of the breakwater, but it can enhance [[wave overtopping]].