Modelling and Analysis of Wave-Structure-Foundation Interaction for Monolithic Breakwaters

Abstract

Monolithic breakwaters are preferred to other types of structures in terms of economical and environmental aspects. Nevertheless, they are more vulnerable to foundation failures, especially to stepwise failures. Due to the highly complex processes involved in wave-structure-foundation interaction, no reliable model yet exists for this failure mechanism. Therefore, a semi-coupled CFD-CSD model system and a simplified model are developed in OpenFOAM to describe wave-structure-foundation interaction for monolithic breakwaters, and particularly stepwise failures. The CFD model is an extension of the incompressible multiphase Eulerian solver of OpenFOAM by introducing different seepage laws and a simplified fluid compressibility model. The CFD model is successful in reproducing breaking wave impact including effect of entrapped air. A new CSD model is developed to solve the fully dynamic, coupled Biot equations with a new approach taking advantage of the PISO algorithm to resolve pore fluid velocity-pressure coupling. Soil-structure interaction is introduced via a frictional contact model and for soil behaviour, a multi-surface plasticity model is implemented. The model is validated against analytical models and physical tests. The model succeeds to reproduce wave-induced residual pore pressure buildup and soil densification followed by pore pressure dissipation. A one-way coupling of both models is achieved by transforming the CFD model output into input for the CSD model. The semi-coupled model system is applied successfully to reproduce selected results of a caisson breakwater subject to breaking wave impact in the Large Wave Flume (GWK). The model system is applied to expand the range of conditions tested in GWK for response of the soil foundation. A new load eccentricity concept, is proposed to classify response of the foundation in four load eccentricity regimes. Load eccentricity carries all significant information related to wave loads (horizontal and uplift) and to properties of the structure (mass and geometry). Using this concept, recommendations are drawn for design of monolithic breakwaters, and a new simplified nonlinear 3-DOF model is developed with elastoplastic springs. Model parameters are calibrated using results from the CFD-CSD model for different sand relative densities and different load eccentricities. The simplified model can simulate the stepwise failure (sliding, settlement and tilt) as well as the overall failure (overturning).