Large scale physical model tests on the stability of geocontainers
| Period: | 08/2007-12/2007 |
|---|---|
| Client: | Delft Cluster |
assignment/short description
Geocontainers are of special interest since it may be a good and in some cases a cheaper alternative for conventional materials used in breakwaters or shore protection. In the past small scale experiments have been performed. Large scale experiments are required to minimize scale effects. To determine the stability of geocontainers under wave attack large scale physical model tests were performed in Delta flume of Deltares at a scale of about 1:4. The primary goal of this research was to determine the stability of geocontainers and the migration of sand in the geocontainers during wave attack. It was concluded that besides sliding of the containers, the ‘caterpillar mechanism’ is a significant mechanism that can cause failure. The newly discovered caterpillar mechanism is caused by the migration of sand inside the geocontainers. This mechanism only occurs in large scale tests because the migration of sand in the geocontainer is modelled in a better way.
