In the present study, the influence of geometric scale, unit orientation (alternatively, flow direction), and the dimensionless Reynolds and Keulegan-Carpenter quantities on the hydrodynamic loading of Core-Loc armour units is explored through a series of physical modelling tests under unsteady and oscillatory flow conditions.

In this thesis, a new computer model (tool) for the reliability-based design of rubble-mound coastal defense structures is developed in which design is carried out in a user frienly way giving outputs on time variant reliability for the predetermined lifetimes and damage levels. The model aims to perform the following steps: 1. Determine the sources of uncertainties in design parameters 2. Evaluate the damage risk of coastal structures which are at design stage and are recently constructed. 3. Study the sensitivity of limit state functions to the design parameters. Different from other reliability studies on coastal projects, a new design computer program is developed that can be easily used by everyone working in coastal engineering field.