RESEARCH PROGRESSES ON CORAL REEF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

Abstract

Coral reef is a special type of rock soil developing in tropical ocean and has typical engineering properties. As a new research field of modern engineering geology,coral reef engineering geology study is developing under the necessity of coral reef construction and has strategic significance and great application.With the development of ocean resources,coral reefs are becoming more and more important.The types and dimensions of coral reef construction urge us to make deep research on coral reef engineering properties.This paper introduces the concept and modern distribution region of coral reefs,and the contents and significance of coral reef engineering geology research.The authors comprehensively discuss the research history,situation and progresses of coral reef engineering geology in home and abroad. We also point out that we should strengthen the research of particle crushing mechanism and constitutive model of coral reef.Taking coral reef as engineering rock mass the emphases of coral reef engineering geology research should be put on reef mass structure and stability,engineering geologic zone and engineering suitability,and relationship between coral reef environment and engineering action.