Prototype Drop Tests of Cube and Cubipod Armor Units
Publication: Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering
Volume 137, Issue 2
Abstract
In this paper, an experimental methodology is described to assess the structural strength of unreinforced concrete armor units (CAUs). The methodology is applied to measure the structural integrity under impact loads of the new Cubipod CAU compared with the conventional cube CAU. The casting systems and clamps are described for manufacturing and handling the 15-t conventional cubic block and 16-t Cubipod prototypes used for the drop tests. Two separate reinforced concrete platforms were used for overturning and for free-fall tests, respectively. Compared with conventional cubes of similar size and concrete strength, Cubipods withstand drops that are more than 50% higher. Two extreme free-fall tests confirmed the structural robustness of Cubipod armor units. Manufacturing cycle time, as well as storage and handling procedures, are similar for both Cubipods and conventional cubic blocks.
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Acknowledgments
The writers are grateful for the logistic support provided by the Port Authority of Alicante and the consortium TMS. Financial support was received from CDTI (CUBIPOD Project). The writers also thank Roman Goumy for his assistance during the prototype drop tests and Debra Westall for revising the manuscript.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering
Volume 137 • Issue 2 • March 2011
Pages: 54 - 63
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 17, 2009
Accepted: Jun 8, 2010
Published online: Jun 11, 2010
Published in print: Mar 1, 2011
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