Modelling the effects of Climate Change on historic maritime structures: Howth Harbour's East Pier (Ireland)

The effects of Climate Change present a number of challenges for historical maritime structures. A study was undertaken to assess the potential effects of Climate Change on the historical protected structure, Howth Harbour... [ view full abstract ]

The effects of Climate Change present a number of challenges for historical maritime structures. A study was undertaken to assess the potential effects of Climate Change on the historical protected structure, Howth Harbour East Pier, designed by John Rennie and constructed in 1813. The main stages of the study included; a statistical analysis of offshore wind and wave climate, numerical wave modelling, an overtopping assessment, an assessment of wave transmission through the structure and a structural stability analysis.
Wave modelling simulations were carried out for two scenarios: the present scenario and the future scenario which includes the potential effects of sea level rise and increase in the severity of storms. Specific consideration was given to overtopping which has become a hazard for pedestrians as well as a structural risk for the pier. A detailed overtopping assessment and a stability study of the existing revetment and pier structure was carried out for different sections of the pier for a number of different return periods for both the present day and the future scenario.
Based on the results of the study and the various assessments a number of different structural remedial solutions were proposed.