Numerical analysis of static behavior of caisson-type quay wall deepened by grouting rubble-mound

Anh-Dan Nguyen,Gyeong-O Kang,Young-Sang Kim,Hui-Jin Kim

doi:10.1186/s40703-020-00130-3

Anh-Dan Nguyen, Gyeong-O Kang + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40703-020-00130-3

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Abstract

Caisson type gravity quay wall is a common structure used in the coastal regions. However, many of the existing quay walls constructed in the past are becoming obsolete. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to enhance the performance of these quay walls by increasing the front water depth. To deepen the water depth, a special grout type is ejected to solidify the rubble mound under the caisson toe, then excavating a part of the rubble placed in front of the caisson to the designed level. Various cases with different shapes and dimensions are proposed to optimize the grouted area. Based on the examination of stability and construction feasibility, the reasonable geometry and area of grouted rubble can be selected. In addition, the numerical analysis is performed by the Finite Element Method (FEM) program (PLAXIS 2D) to expect the behavior of the quay wall and grouted rubble. The results demonstrate that after upgrading, the maximum contact stress between caisson and rubble mound increases sharply, but the stress at the bottom of grouted rubble does not change in comparison prior to innovation. The analysis also indicates that when the Hardening Soil (HS) model is applied, the displacement of the quay wall is higher than that of the Mohr–Coulomb soil (MC) model.

Highlights

Quay walls are earth retaining structures at which ships can berth
The existing caisson-type quay wall can be upgraded by the solution in which the rubble mound beneath the caisson is solidified by grouting cut to increase the front water depth
This paper provides the principle process to optimize the area of grouted rubble and static analysis of the upgraded quay wall using numerical analysis

Summary

Introduction

Quay walls are earth retaining structures at which ships can berth. They are usually equipped with bollards to provide moorings for ships and fendering to absorb the impacts of the vessels. The quay walls are used for the transshipment of goods by cranes or heavy equipment that moves alongside the ships [1]. The demand for cargo transportation via waterways are rising significantly with the rapid increase of the large tonnage ships. The deep-water ports become more and more necessary to accommodate these ships.

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