Small Scale Modelling Experiments for Evaluating Lateral Resistance of Block-Type Breakwater I : Complex Blocks with Group Piles

Abstract

While the existing pile foundation had the role of supporting the superstructure or reducing the earth pressure, recently there are cases where it is integrated with the superstructure to increase the lateral resistance. This study aims to evaluate a lateral resistance of block-type breakwaters with group piles by modelling experiments. The lateral resistance and bending moments of the piles by penetrated depths for the piles were measured. As a result, it was found that the lateral resistance increased as the depth of embedment of the group piles. In particular, the lateral resistance was 1.52 times greater in the case where the pile embedded up to the riprap layer than the case where the pile was embedded into the block. For the bending moment, the rear piles ware larger than the front piles, and the outside piles were larger than the inside piles. The location of the maximum bending moment in the ground was shown at the interface between the riprap layer and the natural ground.