NONLINEAR INTERACTIONS BETWEEN WAVES AND A CAISSON CONSTRUCTED OVER A MULTI-LAYERED BASE

A study has been conducted to investigate the nonlinear interactions among waves, composite breakwater and a multi-layered base. The problem has been simulated numerically by two models, BEMFEM model and poro-elastic FEM model. These models, developed by the authors, can simulate the nonlinear wave field and its interactions with the porous media. Modifications have been made in the models to account for the multi-layered base and applications have been made to various configurations and properties of the breakwater. It has been found that the nonlinear effects become more significant in case of a high base and the fine material of the base may suffer from tensile stresses. The base may also fail at smaller wave heights than that needed for causing a failure in the caisson.