Design and construction of sea port hydraulic structures is a complex and costly process. When developing a project for hydraulic structures, the question of optimizing design solutions always arises. One of the methods of such optimization is to clarify the accepted design loads on the structures. In particular, when calculating slope structures, loads and effects from waves should be determined based on the results of physical modeling. This article considers hydraulic structures of protective piers intended for construction in the southern region of our country. Their designs are presented in detail and the main types of figured concrete blocks often used in modern sea port construction are described. Experimental studies of wave action on structures of protective piers are presented as part of scientific support and construction of high-responsibility class structures. Based on the conducted experimental studies, data on the value of wave splash on the structures under study were obtained and the value of the wave reflection coefficient was measured. The absence of water overflow through the superstructure of the protective piers along the wave movement front was experimentally established, and the stability of the figured concrete blocks in the protective fill of tetrapods on the slope of the protective structures under study was experimentally substantiated.