Wave Runup & Overtopping Calculator – EurOtop / Van der Meer for Coastal Structures

Wave Runup & Overtopping Calculator

EurOtop / Van der Meer methods · Coastal structure design · 2D profile · PDF report

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📐 1. Wave Runup & Overtopping on Coastal Structures

Wave runup is the vertical height above the still water level that waves reach on a slope. Overtopping is the flow of water over the crest. Both are critical for designing seawalls, dikes, breakwaters, and revetments. This calculator implements methods from EurOtop (2018) and Van der Meer (1992).

Runup (Hunt formula): R_u2% = 1.6 · H_s · (tanα)^0.5
Overtopping (Van der Meer): q = 0.04 · √(g·H_s³) · exp(-(R_c/H_s·1.3))

⚡ Quick Version: This is a simplified calculator for rapid preliminary estimates. For detailed professional design with roughness factors, berm effects, and breaking wave analysis, use our EurOtop Master Tool →

🚀 2. Live Wave Runup & Overtopping Calculator

Significant wave height (H_s) m

Slope angle (α) deg (1:H)

Structure crest height (R_c) above MWL m

Wave period (T_p) s (for advanced method)

Method

Output unit

Batch CSV Upload

✅ CSV: Hs, slope, crest, period

Get PDF Report via Email

CSV Template

📊 2D Wave Runup & Overtopping Profile

📊 Runup vs Crest Freeboard

📈 Runup Trend & History

📂 3. How to Use the Calculator

Enter wave conditions: significant wave height (Hs), wave period (for advanced methods).
Enter structure geometry: slope angle (degrees), crest height above still water level (Rc).
Select method: EurOtop (most accurate), Van der Meer, or Hunt (simple).
Compute: Click "Compute" – runup height and overtopping discharge appear.
2D profile shows wave runup on the slope.
Batch CSV: Upload multiple designs for bulk analysis.
PDF Report: Download a report with the profile image.
History: All calculations saved locally; export or clear anytime.

📈 4. Real‑World Example

Seawall at Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
Hs=2.5 m, slope=20°, crest=3.0 m, Tp=8 s.
Runup (EurOtop) ≈ 3.6 m → overtopping q ≈ 0.015 m³/s/m (acceptable for pedestrian areas).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is an acceptable overtopping rate?

For seawalls: <0.01 l/s/m (no risk), 0.1-1 l/s/m (risk to people), >10 l/s/m (significant flooding). See our slope stability tool for related issues.

❓ How to reduce runup?

Flatten the slope, add berms, or use rough armour units – check our riprap design tool.

❓ Which method is most accurate?

EurOtop is the latest standard; Van der Meer is widely used for rock slopes.

🌐 Industry Standards & References

EurOtop Manual (2018) | USACE Coastal Engineering Manual | CIRIA – Rock Manual

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Wave Runup & Overtopping Calculator – Quick Estimate for Students & Field Engineers