Analysis and Design Implications on Stability of Cofferdam Subjected to Water Wave Action

Abstract

Based on Power-Law nonlinear failure criterion and the upper bound theorem of limit analysis, a numerical solution was developed to analyze the shape of collapsing block and landslide thrust of cofferdam subjected to residual pore pressure which was caused by longstanding water wave action. In the upper bound analysis, the effect of water pressure assumed to be a work rate of external force was considered. To evaluate the validity of the present method, the results were compared with previous findings. The good agreement between the present results and the previous findings indicated that the proposed method was valid to assess the shape of collapsing block and landslide thrust of cofferdam subjected to residual pore pressure. As for the influence of the factors on the shape of collapsing block and landslide thrust, a parametric study was conducted. This parametric study was carried out to optimize the design of cofferdam supporting structures and improve analysis of the stability of cofferdam subjected to water wave action.