Breakwaters basal reinforcement

Basal reinforcement beneath breakwaters and containment dykes... 

Figure 20.19 Basal reinforcement technique applied to breakwaters and containment dykes on soft foundations.

One technique to improve the stability of breakwaters and containment dykes con-stmcted on soft foundations is to use geotextile reinforcement across the base of the stmcture (Fig. 20.19). This basal reinforcement technique has been used successfully for many years in the onshore construction of embankments on soft foundation soils, and is discussed in detail in chapter Geotextiles used in reinforcing foundations. Because of its cost—benefits, this technique has also been used in marine engineering structures over the past 20 years. 

Figure 20.20 Design limit modes for basal reinforced breakwaters and containment dykes on soft foundations, (a) HydrauUc stabiUty, (b) rotational stabiUty, (c) strain in reinforcement and (d) settlement.

The reinforced soil technique, such as basal-reinforced breakwater constmction, is an example of a land-based technique employed in a marine engineering environment to provide a cost-effective solution to improve the stability of stmctures constmcted on soft marine foundation soils. The presence of soft marine foundation soils close to coastlines in bays, harbours, estuaries and deltas makes for difficult conditions on which to constmct stable marine stmctures. Reinforced soil is one technique along with other associated foundation consolidation and strengthening technologies that is expected to be used more often in these locations. 

---