Effect of basal reinforcement on sinking and deformation of rubble mounds on a soft seabed

Abstract

ABSTRACT The construction of rubble-mound breakwaters on soft sea beds is problematic, but is necessary in many coastal areas. The issues faced include the penetration of the rock particles into the very soft clayey bed, which results in the loss some of the material, major deformation during and after construction, and instability. The basal reinforcement method employs both separation and reinforcement and is an effective solution. Most previous research has focused on the role of reinforcement, but less attention has been paid to the combination of reinforcement and separation. In the present study, physical model tests were used to quantitatively compare the action mechanisms of the basal reinforcement method and the gravity replacement method. The experimental results showed that the use of a geotextile for basal reinforcement reduced horizontal deformation up to 42%, but had no significant effect on settlement. The combined reinforcement and separation mechanisms also reduced material loss up to 44%.