Bearing Capacity of Breakwater Mound Under Tsunami-Induced Seepage Flow

Water level difference induced by tsunami generates seepage flow in a mound of caisson-type breakwaters. It has been pointed out that the seepage force weakens a bearing capacity of a mound. The present paper describes bearing capacity properties of a mound under seepage flow, by using centrifuge model tests and finite element method analyses. Two types of model tests were conducted in the study: horizontal load tests and combined tests with horizontal load and seepage flow. According to the model tests, seepage force resulted in decrease of a bearing capacity. In addition, it was confirmed that finite element method analyses could simulate the model tests, and the suitable hypothetical adhesion was shown to simulate the effect of seepage force.