PROTECTION OF COASTAL AND INLAND WATER AREAS USING

FLOATING STRUCTURES: APPLICATIONS IN NORTHERN

GREECE

Eva Loukogeorgaki1, Theoharris Koftis1 and Polis Barbaressos2

1
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Dept. of Civil Engineering,
Maritime Engineering and Maritime Works Lab., Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
Email: eloukog@civil.auth.gr; thkoftis@civil.auth.gr
2
Technical Consultant, Dimokratias 44 st, Asvestochori, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece.
Email: fregata@tee.gr

ABSTRACT
The aim of this paper is to assess the application of four Case Studies of Special Coastal and Inland
Water Floating Structures (SCIWFS) in northern Greece, in terms of functionality and
environmental protection. For each Case Study the selection criteria that advocate the application of
SCIWFS, their technical characteristics and their functional problems are discussed in detail. It is
concluded that SCIWFS represent a new efficient and environmental friendly technology. At the
same time, however, they are quite sensitive structures that require special treatment compared to
the traditional fixed structures. Therefore, specific design, technical and operational
recommendations are proposed for the efficient construction, performance and maintenance of
SCIWFS throughout their whole life cycle.
1. INTRODUCTION

Coastal and Inland Water Floating Structures (CIWFS), namely floating breakwaters, floating piers
and floating bridges, present an alternative solution to conventional bottom-fixed structures and can
be effectively used for the protection of coastal and inland water areas with mild up to moderate
wave environment conditions. Poor foundation or deep water conditions as well as environmental
requirements, such as phenomena of intense shore erosion, water quality and aesthetic
considerations advocate the application of such structures [3]. CIWFS have many advantages that
enable them to provide the required protection and functionality combined with the effective
protection of the environment. Specifically:
(a) They enable the development of coastal or inland regions where the implementation of
conventional structures is not appropriate due to large water depths or steep seabed slope and/or due
to environmental – ecological reasons.
(b) They represent a flexible dynamic system that has the ability to withstand any kind of vibrations
(e.g. wave and seismic vibrations), as well as to follow up the variation of the water elevation.
Furthermore, they have mobility and they can be easily detached, removed or reallocated. Their
transport and installation require short duration, while there is flexibility for future extensions or
changes to their existing configuration.
(c) They are free of negative environmental impacts, since they do not prevent the water renewal, as
well as the growth of the sea ecosystems. Moreover, their presence is very discreet and aesthetic,
due to their technical characteristics (e.g. low freeboard). Finally, the implementation of these
floating structures does not have a negative impact on the sediment balance.
(d) In many cases, they have lower cost compared to the fixed ones. Additionally, the short duration
of their construction leads to the almost direct beginning of their operational application and to
further economical, developmental and environmental benefits.
(e) They are industrial products with predefined specifications; therefore, quality could be assured
by meeting these specifications and by long-term monitoring of the performance of the structures.

CIWFS are usually categorized into the following two basic types according to their effectiveness
against the incident wave energy [4]: (a1) CIWFS, which consist of heavy type (high structural mass
density) pontoons and result to the efficient attenuation of the incident wave energy and (a2) CIWFS,
which consist of low structural mass density pontoons and lead to the negligible attenuation of the
wave energy and the free flux of the surface renewal currents. Floating breakwaters belong to the
first type, while floating piers and floating bridges belong to the second one. In the present paper,
however, a new categorization of CIWFS is adopted based on the morphological and the wave
conditions of their application area. Specifically, CIWFS are distinguished into the following two
types: (b1) The Conventional Coastal and Inland Water Floating Structures (CCIWFS) that
correspond to CIWFS constructed in the interior of protected bays or protected basins with mild
wave environment conditions and (b2) The Special Coastal and Inland Water Floating Structures
(SCIWFS) that correspond to CIWFS constructed in areas, which are affected straightforward from
the incident wave energy or where unfavourable functionality conditions are observed. In the case
of CCIWFS the know-how application is an important, but not the critical factor. However, In the
case of SCIWFS, the technical risk is very high and consequently, the know-how application of
these floating structures represents the most important factor of their efficient construction and their
functionality throughout their whole life cycle. Examples of CIWFS that are considered to be
Conventional ones can be found in [5] and [8].

The CIWFS worldwide implemented mostly belong to CCIWFS; consequently, the national
experience for the case of SCIWFS is quite limited. On the other hand, the construction of public
SCIWFS in northern Greece in the last eight years under the effective involvement of the
Laboratory of Maritime Engineering and Maritime Works of the Civil Engineering Department of
AUTh has enabled the development of a valuable scientific and technical, internationally
acknowledged, knowledge and experience regarding these structures.

The aim of this paper is to assess the application of four Case Studies of SCIWFS in northern
Greece (Figure 1), in terms of functionality and environmental protection. The first Case Study
corresponds to the installation of a floating harbour in the coastal area of N. Marmaras, the second
one to a floating pedestrian bridge in the Lake of Small Prespa, the third one refers to the floating
harbour in Polifito Lake, while the fourth Case Study corresponds to the installation of a floating
breakwater in the coastal area of Pirgadikia. The selected SCIWFS are considered as the most
characteristic ones due to their functional and environmental features, and their characteristics are
presented in comparison with other floating and/or bottom-fixed structures. Special attention is
given to functional problems, experiences and recommendations with regard to the application of
these SCIWFS, so that all the involved parties will be able to take advantage of this knowledge.

Figure 1. Overview of the presented Case Studies in northern Greece

2. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION – ASSESSMENT OF CASE STUDIES

In the following paragraphs the selection criteria that advocate the application of SCIWFS in the
corresponding coastal and inland areas, the design and operational components, the technical
characteristics, and the functionality assessment for each one of the above mentioned projects, are
discussed in detail.

2.1 Case Study 1: Floating harbour in the coastal area of N. Marmaras

The first Case Study refers to the installation of a floating harbour in the coastal area of N.
Marmaras, for the protection of the existent fishing shelter, as well as for the creation of 100 new
vessel berths for further local tourism development [1]. It was completed in 1999, within 3 months,
and it is considered as one of the most difficult floating coastal protection projects, since the
incident wave heights exhibit quite large values (more than 3m) due to the very large values of the
wave fetch (more than 100 km for specific wind direction) as shown in Figure 2. The floating
harbour consists of a floating breakwater, which is installed in water depths of more than 25m. In
the leeward side of the floating breakwater a floating marina with three rows of floating piers is
formed (Figure 3). The geometrical and technical characteristics of these floating structures are
shown in Table 1.

The application of floating structures in the specific project was selected against other conventional
structures, based on significant environmental and economical criteria. A bottom-fixed breakwater
would result in a huge amount of rocks, since the water depth in the coastal area is about 25m and
the wave conditions are quite severe. The subsequent aesthetic degradation of this tourist
destination, the reduction of water renewal conditions within the coastal inlet and the conversion of
the area to construction site for years represent inhibitor factors for the implementation of such a
solution.
 Figure 2. Fetch at coastal areas of N. Marmaras and Pirgadikia for SE wind directions

TABLE 1. Geometrical and technical characteristics of the examined Case Studies

N. Small
Case Study Polifito Lake Pirgadikia
Marmaras Prespa Lake
FB, FP, FBr
Floating structure type FB and FP* FBr* FB and FP*
and FBo*
Total length (m) 200 (FB) 630 (FBr) 224 (FB) 180 (FB)
Number of
10 67 14 9
pontoons
Technical Length (m) 20 9 16 20
characteristics Width (m) 4 3 2.5 4
of each FB Height (m) 1.5 0.85 1.0 1.5
(FBr) pontoon Weight (t) 60 3.5 18 64
Concrete
60 - 45 70
strength (MPa)
Tech. char. of Length (m) 200 50 140 200
Mooring lines
of each FB Weight (kgr/m) 45 11.5 11.5 22.5
(FBr) pontoon
Connectors strength (t) 300 80 80 300
Number of
Tech. char. of 18 68 10
pontoons
each FP -
Length (m) 9 9 9
pontoon
Width (m) 2.5 3 3
*FB: Floating Breakwater, FP: Floating Pier, FBr: Floating Bridge, FBo: Floating Bowsprits

With regard to the functional assessment of this coastal project, its monitoring has revealed so far
some problems that should be taken into consideration for future design of SCIWFS. From a
technical point of view, it was observed that the performance of a long floating structure (200m),
which consists of several pontoons connected with hinges and acts as a uniform beam shows an
important weakness; the structure is not able to properly withstand to the three dimensional wave
loads and irreversible damage to it could be caused. This problem was overcome with the formation
of discontinuation joints at every 40m with length about equal to the floating breakwater’s width
(~4 m). Another important issue, that had been observed, was the negative interference from
various political, social or scientific groups, who proposed unreliable modifications to the initial
design characteristics of the project, e.g. they proposed the modification of the initially proposed
position of the floating breakwater.
 Figure 3. Floating breakwater and piers in the coastal area of N. Marmaras

2.2 Case Study 2: Floating pedestrian bridge in the Lake of Small Prespa
The floating pedestrian bridge (Figure 4) was implemented in 2000, within 2 months, in the Lake of
Small Prespa, an environmentally sensitive area (site of the NATURA 2000 Network), in order to
connect the island of St. Achillios with the opposite lakeshore [2]. The particular climatic
conditions in the lake are: the significant changes in the water level within a year, the incident
waves with heights more than 1m and the ice effects (compression and collision with huge pieces of
ice). The floating bridge has been installed in water depths of 2-4m. Its technical and geometrical
characteristics are shown in Table 1. It should be also noted that the materials used for the deck of
the bridge can be subjected to loads up to 400kgr/m2. Finally, the particular climatic and wave
conditions have led to the formation of discontinuation joints at every 100m based on the previous
experience gained from the floating breakwater in the harbour of N. Marmaras.

Figure 4. Floating pedestrian bridge in the Lake of Small Prespa

The selection of a floating pedestrian bridge was enforced by the specific environmental conditions
of this area. Regardless the technical or economical issues, a bottom founded structure would not be
environmentally acceptable in this protected by the NATURA 2000 Network area.

The pedestrian floating bridge has been proved to be functional, since minor problems have
occurred since its installation. The main cause of these problems is the collision of huge pieces of
ice, drifted by the waves, with the sides of the structure. The solution to this problem will be the
placement of a protective metal net to the bridge at the level of the water line. Finally, it is
emphasized, that a fire incident, which took place two years after the construction of the bridge
showed that the application of cement boards for the construction of the deck of lake bridges, as
well as the existence of constant supervision are required for the efficient operation of the structure.

2.3 Case Study 3: Floating harbour in Polifito Lake

The floating harbour in the Polifito Lake, which is the second largest lake harbour in Greece and the
first one constructed with floating breakwaters and floating piers, has several goals such as the
development of the fishery, the lake sports and the tourism in the wider area of north-western
Greece. This project [7] was implemented in 2003, within 4 months. With regard to the water
conditions, the annual periodical change of the water level is of order of 15m and the corresponding
recession of the lakeshore exceeds the 110m. The combination of the above with the existence of
intense wave climate, results to the implementation of floating structures with several innovative
technical and design characteristics. The floating harbour is composed of certified floating pontoons
and has three discrete parts (Figure 5): (a) the floating breakwaters (Table 1) for the protection
against the incident waves, (b) the floating piers (Table 1), which are located in the leeward side of
the floating breakwaters and (c) the 26 floating bowsprits (6m length and 1.2m width each). The
connection of this floating harbour with the lakeshore is achieved with a 120m long floating bridge.

Figure 5. Floating harbour in Polifito Lake

The solution of such a SCIWFS was mainly adopted due to specific difficulties in the foundation of
fixed structures; the water depth is more than 25m, the bottom of the lake has several geological
peculiarities and the whole area has special archaeological characteristics. The performance of this
SCIWFS has been effective, since no problems have been reported during the three operating years.

2.4 Case Study 4: Floating breakwater in the harbour of Pirgadikia

The goal of this project (implemented in 2004, within 2 months) was the formation of a new marina
in the coastal area of Pirgadikia close to the existent fishing shelter for the development of the
fishery and the local tourism [6]. The wave climate is quite severe for specific wind directions, as
the incident wave heights exhibit quite large values (more than 2m) due to the large values of the
wave fetch (more than 150 km) as shown in Figure 2. The floating breakwater (Figure 6) is installed
in an area with water depths of 20m and seabed of steep slope. In the leeward side of the floating
breakwater a floating marina with two rows of floating piers is formed. The geometrical and
technical characteristics of these floating structures are shown in Table 1. It should be noted that
this SCIWFS would be difficult to accomplish without the previous experience gained from the
harbour of N. Marmaras.

Figure 6. Floating breakwater in Pirgadikia

The application of a floating structure was selected, based on criteria analogous to the previously
mentioned criteria in the case of N. Marmaras harbour. A bottom-fixed breakwater would result in
environmental degradation of the coastal area and would not be an economical solution, since the
water depth is more than 25m. Regarding the functionality assessment of this project, the floating
breakwater had a very good performance during the first operating year, since the occurrence of
strong storm events with wind strength more than 10 Beaufort resulted in great damages only in the
existing rubble mounted structures.

Finally, we would like to refer to the installation (during 2003) of two other CIWFS in the harbour
of Kalymnos and in the marina of Kos in order to compare their performance with Case Studies 1
and 4. The main characteristic of these areas is the existence of mild wave conditions, due to the
small values of the corresponding fetches (Figure 2). However, the fact that these floating structures
were not properly designed led to their failure and to their subsequent withdrawal.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE OF SCIWFS

Based on the description and the functionality assessment of the four Case Studies of SCIWFS in
the area of northern Greece, general-design, technical and operational recommendations for the
efficient construction and effective performance of SCIWFS throughout their whole life cycle are
proposed.

Specifically, with regard to the general-design recommendations, the adoption of the proposed
categorization of the CIWFS is recommended. This will result to the different and consequently, to
the efficient treatment of a CIWFS in all stages of its life cycle (from design, up to construction and
maintenance). It is clear that SCIWFS require much more well-defined technical and operational
specifications due to their increased technical risk of their implementation. Moreover, special
attention should be given to the wave - water conditions that exist in the application area of
SCIWFS. The angle of the incident wave, the wakes of floating vessels, as well as the possibility of
ice presence should be always taken into consideration.

As far as to the technical recommendations, it is proposed that the design of SCIWFS and especially
the design of a floating breakwater should firstly target to the assurance of the viability of the
floating structure under severe wave conditions and secondarily to the effective reduction of the
incident wave energy under mild wave conditions. The following issues require special attention:
● The dimensions of the pontoons of the floating breakwater that should have the international
acceptable values of 20m length and 4m width.
● The assurance of the required thickness, steel reinforcement and concrete strength of the pre-
constructed pontoons, as well as the assurance of the quality and the efficient strength of their
connectors. Such requirements are satisfied with the application of certified industrial floating
pontoons with appropriate predefined technical and quality specifications. Moreover, the formation
of discontinuation joints that ensure the efficient withstand to the wave loads in the case of long
floating structures is also recommended.
● The use of mooring lines with high strength and efficient elasticity. This should be combined with
the proper distribution of the initial pretension among them (all the mooring lines should have the
same values of pretension in the absence of any external loads).
● The structural mass density of the floating pontoons that should have certain values. It is
recommended to avoid the application of floating pontoons with large values of height and quite
low structural mass density (of the order of 0.4t/m3), since floating pontoons with smaller heights
and higher structural mass density (of the order of 0.6t/m3) show better performance under
moderate wave conditions. It should be also noted that the effectiveness of a floating breakwater
primarily depends upon its width and its weight, as well as to the incident wave angle and
secondarily upon the total height of its cross-section. In contrast to other conventional breakwaters,
the goal of the application of a floating breakwater is the partial reflection and the deregulation of
the wave energy and not the total absorption of it.
● The technical characteristics of the mooring lines that should be properly chosen. It has been
observed that the length and the catenary configuration of the mooring lines significantly affect the
effectiveness and the viability of the system of the mooring lines, while the weight of the anchors
represents secondary factor of the performance of the mooring lines. Therefore, special attention
should be given to the length and the weight per unit length of the mooring lines, as well as to the
selection of the arrangement of their anchors (the placement of the anchors in tandem is preferable).

Finally, the fact that SCIWFS are “mechanisms” and not “Cyclopean walls”, continuous attention
and strict periodic inspection and maintenance are required. Therefore, the establishment of an
active and efficient Regulatory Authority of the SCIWFS, which will consist of experienced,
specialized technical and scientific consultants, is proposed (operational recommendation). This
authority will be responsible for the supervision, the monitoring, the control and the maintenance of
SCIWFS. The formation of this organization will also lead to the reduction of negative interferences
from social or political groups who are not able to understand the special features of the SCIWFS.

4. CONCLUSIONS

In the present paper the functional and environmental assessment of the application of four properly
selected Case Studies of SCIWFS in northern Greece is presented. The design targets of these
projects are satisfied to a great extent through the achievement of: (a) the compatibility of the
technical and functional characteristics of the SCIWFS with the special morphological and wave-
water conditions of the corresponding areas, (b) the effective attenuation of the wave energy and (c)
the absence of negative environmental impacts. However, the high technical risk of the application
of SCIWFS requires the adoption of specific design, technical and operational recommendations, as
proposed in this paper. Specifically, the design of SCIWFS should mainly target to the assurance of
the viability of the floating structure under severe wave conditions. Additionally, SCIWFS of
certified technical characteristics should be used, while special attention should be given to the
technical characteristics of the mooring lines. Finally, the development of a Regulatory Authority of
SCIWFS is proposed for the efficient supervision, monitoring, control and maintenance of them.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to thank Prof. Ch. Koutitas, Prof. D.C. Angelides and Prof. P. Prinos for
stimulating discussions and valuable comments.

REFERENCES

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Project Report, Special Advisor: Ch. Koutitas, Financing: Prefecture of Chalkidiki.
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Special Advisor: Ch. Koutitas, Financing: 3rd CFS.
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Special Advisor: Ch. Koutitas, Financing: 3rd CFS.
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