Constructing breakwater with prefabricated caissons on soft clay

S. Yan*, X. Feng, J. Chu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

A case history of constructing offshore breakwater on soft clay is presented. The breakwater was constructed near the Shanghai Port, China, for deepening of navigation channel along the Yangtze Estuary. The breakwater elements were designed as gravity retaining structures using prefabricated, semi-circular shaped concrete caissons. Some sections of the breakwater were installed on a thick layer of soft soils. During the construction, the caissons in one section failed under a heavy storm. The causes of failure were investigated by running dynamic triaxial tests on undisturbed soil samples taken from the construction site. It was found that the dike failure was induced by the strength weakening of the soft soil layer below the foundation. The design of the guide dike and the soil improvement works are described in this paper. Surcharge preloading and prefabricated vertical drains was adopted to improve the soft soils below the caisson. The soil improvement measure was proven to be effective in maintaining the stability of the breakwater against subsequent heavy storms.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFrontiers in Offshore Geotechnics II - Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics
Pages451-456
Number of pages6
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event2nd International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics, ISFOG 2010 - Perth, WA, Australia
Duration: Nov 8 2010Nov 10 2010

Publication series

NameFrontiers in Offshore Geotechnics II - Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics

Conference

Conference2nd International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics, ISFOG 2010
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityPerth, WA
Period11/8/1011/10/10

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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