Structural evaluation of the novel connection system between adjacent breakwater caissons

Abstract

Climate change is having an increasing impact on coastal infrastructure, leading to more frequent and intensified wave activity, including higher waves driven by typhoons and abnormal sea conditions. Consequently, issues related to the stability of existing port structures, such as caissons, have become a significant concern. In particular, gravity-type caisson on the land side of coastal port structures require enhanced stability and safety. Gravity-type caissons, which resist external forces through their own weight, are highly vulnerable to functional failures, such as sliding displacement, triggered by abnormal waves shifting specific caissons. The destruction of caisson and quay walls can lead to substantial recovery costs, necessitating improvements in caisson stability to address the challenges posed by increased wave forces and changes in port logistics due to larger vessels. One approach to enhancing caisson stability is the use of long caissons. Long caisson is commonly used where a breakwater is needed to withstand wave action and distribute forces evenly along a length of breakwater. The construction of caissons faces challenges due to limitations on the size of individual units imposed by construction conditions, launching methods, and marine crane requirements. Therefore, connecting multiple caissons to form long caissons presents a viable alternative. This study suggested two connection methods for long caissons. The first method was a hemisphere caisson, which allows the connection parts to seat against each other under self-weight during construction. The second method was a displacement-allowing connection utilizing rubble (embedded rebar connection within riprap connection). This approach allows some displacement while employing rebar to resist excessive deformation, thereby dispersing the resulting wave forces to adjacent caissons. Performance comparisons between the developed connections and conventional gravity-type caissons were conducted using a finite element analysis model. The results indicate that the proposed connections demonstrate improved resistance to wave forces compared to traditional caissons without such connections. Further studies should include field applications and performance evaluations of various caisson sizes under different environmental and geological conditions.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

interlocking caisson / hemisphere connection / deformable joint / marine concrete structures / discrete element method-finite element method coupling analysis

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