Numerical Studies on Contact Problem of Inter-locking Concrete Blocks Forming Revetment Structure

The importance of revetment slope (RS) structures for protecting coastal is indisputable. RS structures not only can maintain stability of embankment, but also can reduce sea wave energy by its optimized geometric features. For years, civil engineers have developed numerous solutions of RS structures based on theoretical aspects, experiments, and numerical analysis. Due to the lack of analysis criterion, design codes, and experimental facilities, numerical analysis methods significantly become of interest. One of the most challenges is that to perform the interactions between concrete blocks, which form RS structure, and water, i.e. dynamic fluid–structure interaction (FSI). Also, interaction between RS structures and embankment or foundation slope stability must be investigated carefully. Analysis of inter-locking block interactions is one of our missions in the VLIR-OUS TEAM 2017 project that we are running. In addition, due to the limitation of existing RS structures, e.g., heavy and dense materials, optimizations of RS structure are concerned. This paper is to overview the development of RS structures and approaches for analyzing contact problems. Theoretical aspects and computational modeling procedures are mentioned. ABAQUS commercial software is adopted. Hence, novel efficient RS structures could be developed and applied in the real world.