INTRODUCTION 



In recent years, there has been increased interest in the use of floating 

 breakwaters for providing protection from wave attack. Several types of float- 

 ing tire breakwaters (FTB's) have demonstrated the ability to effectively 

 dissipate wave energy at a moderate cost in certain locations characterized 

 by relatively short wave periods and fetch lengths. Their value as a functional 

 wave protection alternative is especially apparent in areas where sediment trans- 

 port problems, deep water, poor foundation conditions, or environmental con- 

 straints preclude the use of the more conventional bottom-fixed, rubble-mound 

 or vertical-wall breakwaters. Another advantage lies in their mobility. Unlike 

 the bottom-fixed structures, FTB's may be moved from one location to another, 

 e.g., during severe ice conditions or for easier maintenance access. 



This Workshop was conducted to provide an opportunity for engineers, 

 contractors, marina owners and operators, and other interested individuals 

 to exchange information on the use of FTB's. Subjects involving individual 

 field experience were emphasized, particularly related to breakwater per- 

 formance and maintenance requirements. Topics discussed included basic 

 design considerations, alternative fastening and mooring techniques, and 

 recent field research programs, to name a few. The scheduled speakers in- 

 cluded representatives of the Coastal Engineering Research Center (CERC) of 

 the US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station; the Canadian National 

 Water Research Institute (NWRI) ; the US Army Engineer District, Seattle 

 (NFS); universities; municipalities; and privately owned marinas. The 

 final day of the Workshop featured a field trip to Ontario, Canada, where 

 participants toured the LaSalle Park Goodyear FTB at Hamilton and the NWRI 

 facilities at Burlington. 



This document was published to provide a record of the Workshop 

 itinerary, participants, and the scheduled papers that were presented. 



