Centrifuge experimental study of behaviour of basal-reinforced rubble mound over soft soil

Large settlement and lateral deformation during construction of a rubble mound, such as a breakwater, over a soft clayey foundation are a challenge. Different mechanisms contribute to excessive settlement of marine clay, including consolidation, the size of the rubble particles, the penetration of individual rock particles and the flow of sludge through the rock pores. Placing a geotextile layer or sand mattress can restrict the amount of material loss caused by these mechanisms. To accurately assess the performance of a geotextile under a rubble mound, eight geotechnical centrifuge tests were conducted. The shear strength of the foundation and the type of the separator layer were the variables considered. The results indicate that the use of a geotextile as basal reinforcement reduced settlement at the breakwater crest and increased stability. In addition, the horizontal displacement of the rubble mound and the clayey foundation decreased remarkably.