An experimental investigation on the stability of foundation of composite vertical breakwaters

Abstract

A series of 2D model tests were conducted to assess the foundation stability of composite vertical breakwaters. In this paper, the results from the experimental study are presented conjointly with a formula to estimate the stability number of foundation, which is the most important parameter for evaluation of foundation stability of such structures. The influences of wave height, wave period and the berm width on the stability of composite breakwaters with different armor stone sizes were investigated. Forty-five tests were performed to cover the influences of these parameters. According to the present research, berm width is a significant parameter concerning erosion of armor foundation. As the berm width increases, the amount of berm erosion decreases. Comparisons are made between results of present study and the estimated stability number proposed by Kimura et al. (1994), which is extension of Tanimoto formula. Results show that the later formula underestimates the stability number. However, by applying an enhancement factor about 1.7 meters to Kimura et al. formula, results correlated with the present experimental results..

Keywords

composite breakwaters / Caisson / experimental study / Erosion / foundation / scouring / Kimura formula / stability

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