The paper reports on 2D small scale experiments
conducted to investigate wave loadings acting on a pilot project
of device for the conversion of wave energy into electricity. The
conversion concept is based on the overtopping principle and the
structure is worldwide known with the acronym SSG. The
hydraulic model tests have been carried out at the LInC
laboratory of the University of Naples Federico II using random
waves. Results indicate wave overtopping is able to cause a
sudden inversion of vertical force under wave crest, so that it is
alternatively upward and downward directed over a short time
interval. It is also shown that two calculation methods widely
employed in the Japanese design practice of vertical face
breakwaters, could be used to achieve safe estimates of the
hydrodynamic loadings
