Abstract: | ABSTRACT: A method is reported for estimating the height of wind waves in any lake for a given wind condition. Maximum wind speeds from five climatological stations in and around Ilinois for the period of 1950–1972 were analyzed and the maximum wind speed for various durations and return periods were presented. Statistical analysis of wind wave data collected from Carlyle Lake indicated the Rayleigh distribution fitted the wave height distribution reasonably well and that the nondimensional energy spectra followed the (f/fm)-5 rule in the equilibrium range of frequencies. From a consideration of various forces and physical properties of riprap particles and water, a relationship was developed to estimate the stable weight of riprap particles. A practical design criteria is proposed to stabilize lake shores against wind waves. |