Finite-Element Analysis on the Stability of Geotextile Tube–Reinforced Embankments under Scouring
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 15, Issue 2
Abstract
Scouring is a significant problem on river bank and coastal protection systems. Severe scouring can cause damaging consequences to geotextile tube embankment structures. In this study, five case scenarios of an embankment system supported by stacked geotextile tubes were analyzed using a commercially available finite-element analysis software. These case scenarios include (1) conventional geotextile tube stacking on ground base foundation; (2) geotextile tube stacking on gravel bedding foundation; (3) geotextile tube stacking on excavated foundation; (4) geotextile tube stacking on excavated foundation with gravel bedding; and (5) fortification of stacked geotextile tubes by riprap protection. Each case scenario is simulated under normal loading and critical loading conditions with and without scouring at the base toe of the embankment system. Results suggest that the potential problems that occur during scouring and critical states of the embankment system instigate failures that could destabilize the geotextile tube retaining structure. Among all the case scenarios considered, additional fortification by riprap increases the performance and global stability of the geotextile tube embankment system.
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Acknowledgments
This project is supported by the Research and Development Policy Infrastructure Program (grant code 12TRPI-C064124-01) funded by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea.
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 15 • Issue 2 • April 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 25, 2013
Accepted: May 15, 2014
Published online: Jun 12, 2014
Published in print: Apr 1, 2015
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