EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE SETTLEMENT FAILURE MECHANISM SHOWN BY CAISSON-TYPE SEAWALLS

Abstract

We conducted a series of model in a wave flume measuring pore pressures in the reclaimed soil (sand) to investigate the settlement failure mechanisms of caisson type seawalls. Settlement of reclaimed soil was reporduced by considering that the geotextile sheet, which separates the backfill and reclaimed soil regions, had an opening ripped in it such that soil rapidly leaks out. Also reproduced were the phenomenon of sand boiling (liquefaction), the presence of saturated reclaimed soil above the backfill stones, seawall construction with no backfill stones, and impulsive pressures acting on the joint plate connecting two caissons. Experiment results further clarified the fundamental mechanisms of the settlement failures.