The performance of rock structures placed directly on unprepared foundations in the coastal environment
A study investigated how possible it is to build armoured rock structures for protecting coasts without using prepared foundations.
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Details
Rock armoured structures are often used around the UK coast to protect against waves and currents, or to control or change beach movements. These structures often include layers of different sizes of rock armour and require local beach material to be removed or ground improvement or filter materials to be added to make the structure foundation. However, some armoured structures have been installed around the UK without many of these features. These are simpler to construct and can be much cheaper.
This scoping study investigated constructing rock coastal structures on unprepared foundations in this way. It assessed:
- structure performance
- constructability
- maintenance requirements
- environmental issues
The results of this project were intended for coastal engineers and managers, and those involved in funding and commissioning coastal R&D. Past experience and present practice in the use of rock in UK coastal defences is reviewed and future research requirements are considered.
This project ran during 2000 at a cost of £15,000.