The wave disturbance close to vertical columns is analysed. In particular, the deviations from linear predictions are investigated, by experimental as well as by numerical methods. Thus a second-order numerical diffraction model is established by means of a diffraction analysis code (WAMIT) and compared to model tests with a single, fixed column with diameter 16m. Tests in regular, bi-chromatic as well as irregular waves are run. Significant nonlinear effects are observed, especially in steep waves, with the maximum elevation in front of the column increasing from 11.5m in a linear prediction to around 19m , in a 12s regular wave with 22m wave height. The main nonlinear effects in front of the column are identified as second-order sum-frequency and difference-frequency terms, plus a significant nonlinear increase in the first harmonic component. The WAMIT prediction of the second-order effects agrees fairly well with the measurements, although with some overprediction and underprediction, respectively, of the sum-frequency and difference-frequency (LF and mean set-up) terms in the steepest waves. For the underprediction of the first harmonic, however, a theory beyond second order is required.
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