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Numerical Modelling of the Stability of Breakwater Armour Systems
Rubble-mound breakwaters using granular cover layers of rock or concrete units are mainly designed using empirical equations, scaled hydraulics laboratory test models and precedent practice. Multi-body solids numerical models can now represent the geometry and contact forces in such armour systems, when at rest or in a dynamic state of motion. The challenge tackled in this paper is to introduce oscillatory wave disturbance forces to such solids models with sufficient realism so that useful new numerical model information on armour stability can be used by designers. This is achieved using advanced 3D numerical wave tank simulations of wave-induced fluid flows inside the armour and under layers. Pressure-time histories of 2D sea states are also modelled enabling longer runs and entire storm sea states to be investigated for the equivalent rubble-mound structure. The correctly calibrated pressure-time storm history for the entire 3D domain heralds the introduction of a new ‘wave proxy’ method, based on the multi-body solids FEMDEM solver, Solidity. The integrated surface pressures acting on units yield the required oscillatory hydraulic and buoyancy forces. These drive the potential instability and movements and are superimposed on each unit in combination with the constantly updated contact, inertia and body forces. Results of this ‘one-way’ coupling method are briefly illustrated. We compare the effect of two different extreme storm conditions on the stability of a Core-Loc structure.
Numerical Modelling of the Stability of Breakwater Armour Systems
Rubble-mound breakwaters using granular cover layers of rock or concrete units are mainly designed using empirical equations, scaled hydraulics laboratory test models and precedent practice. Multi-body solids numerical models can now represent the geometry and contact forces in such armour systems, when at rest or in a dynamic state of motion. The challenge tackled in this paper is to introduce oscillatory wave disturbance forces to such solids models with sufficient realism so that useful new numerical model information on armour stability can be used by designers. This is achieved using advanced 3D numerical wave tank simulations of wave-induced fluid flows inside the armour and under layers. Pressure-time histories of 2D sea states are also modelled enabling longer runs and entire storm sea states to be investigated for the equivalent rubble-mound structure. The correctly calibrated pressure-time storm history for the entire 3D domain heralds the introduction of a new ‘wave proxy’ method, based on the multi-body solids FEMDEM solver, Solidity. The integrated surface pressures acting on units yield the required oscillatory hydraulic and buoyancy forces. These drive the potential instability and movements and are superimposed on each unit in combination with the constantly updated contact, inertia and body forces. Results of this ‘one-way’ coupling method are briefly illustrated. We compare the effect of two different extreme storm conditions on the stability of a Core-Loc structure.
Numerical Modelling of the Stability of Breakwater Armour Systems
Latham, John-Paul (author) / Xiang, Jiansheng (author) / Higuera, Pablo (author)
Coastal Structures and Solutions to Coastal Disasters Joint Conference 2015 ; 2015 ; Boston, Massachusetts
2017-07-11
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
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