Investigation on Bearing Characteristics of Gravity Wharf Rubble-Mound Foundation in Different Influencing Factors

The use of the heavy hammer compaction method can enhance the bearing characteristics of underwater rubble-mound foundations. This is crucial to ensure the safety and stability of port and coastal engineering projects. In the present work, a combination of image-recognition technology, 3D laser scanning technology, a discrete element numerical simulation, and a field test was first utilized to establish riprap particles and reconstruct a discrete element numerical model of a rubble-mound foundation, and then the effects of various influencing factors on the bearing characteristics of the rubble-mound foundation were studied. The main conclusions are as follows. (1) The load-settlement curve of the rubble-mound foundation can be divided into three stages: rapid growth stage, slow growth stage, and failure stage. (2) The ultimate bearing capacity of the rubble-mound foundation is positively correlated with the vibration time and vibration amplitude. The riprap particle size and the foundation thickness have negligible effects on the ultimate bearing capacity of the rubble-mound foundation. (3) When adjusting the vibration time, vibration amplitude, and foundation thickness, the settlement value of the rubble-mound foundation tends to increase as the compactness increases. On the other hand, the effects of factors such as the riprap particle size, riprap particle gradation, and vibration frequency on the compactness and settlement value of the rubble-mound foundation are less significant.

Automated summary

The use of the heavy hammer compaction method improves the bearing characteristics of underwater rubble-mound foundations, ensuring safety and stability in port and coastal engineering projects. This study combines image-recognition technology, 3D laser scanning technology, discrete element numerical simulation, and field testing to analyze the effects of various factors on the bearing characteristics of rubble-mound foundations. The main conclusions are: (1) The load-settlement curve of the foundation has three stages: rapid growth, slow growth, and failure. (2) The ultimate bearing capacity of the foundation is positively correlated with vibration time and amplitude, while riprap particle size and foundation thickness have minimal effects. (3) Settlement increases with increasing compactness when adjusting vibration time, amplitude, and foundation thickness, while factors like riprap particle size, gradation, and vibration frequency have less significant effects on compactness and settlement.