Author(s)

C.D. Memos

Abstract

Rubble-mound breakwaters are subject not only to wave action but, also, to other types of environmental loading, such as earthquakes. High seismic activity combined with soft foundation soil can lead to large settlements and even to failures of these structures. This paper reports on the experimental investigation undertaken to study the behaviour of rubble-mound breakwaters under seismic loading. Two models were built: the first one was designed to sit on a rigid bed, and the second on a yielding base of loose sand. Input earthquakes were of horizontal acceleration with increasing magnitude at consecutive tests. Measurements of hydrodynamic pressures and accelerations were taken. It was found that in general rubble-mound breakwaters resting on rigid bed are quite seismic resistant structur

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