Advances in Geotextile Tube Technology

Abstract

Geotextile tubes (GTs) have become increasingly popular in recent years for coastal engineering applications due in large part to their relatively low cost. However, depending on the application, GTs may require significantly more maintenance than alternative structural approaches such as articulating block mats, graded riprap, and sheet piling. GT applications are very specialized, and unique considerations are needed in design, construction, and maintenance. Although the basic concept appears simple, it is essential that a GT application be designed and constructed by qualified individuals with hands-on experience to achieve a successful installation. To date, much of what has been learned regarding GTs comes from unexpected installation and/or performance problems and the resulting corrective actions, as opposed to laboratory testing or numerical analysis. This is especially true with repair and maintenance of GTs. Some trial and error with prototype installations is necessary, since laboratory and numerical analysis involve idealized settings and do not include all the complex variables encountered during construction and in the dynamic coastal environment. Many of the problems encountered have been avoided in subsequent applications by continually enhancing technical specifications, so as not to repeat deficiencies in both design and construction.