Stabilize embankments with Geotubes

Abstract

Geotubes have been gaining popular use in South Korea due to the continuing land expansion activities by reclamation. When properly designed and constructed, Geotubes offer a more economical alternative compared to the conventional use of rock or precast concrete block units for shoreline protection of marine embankments and dikes. However, these Geotube elements are constantly subjected to various static and dynamic forces such as wave load in addition to the lateral and overburden pressures that it supports from weight of embankment fill and superimposed surface loads. A combination of these applied forces and loading may contribute to potential problems such as scouring that may reduce the global stability of the structure. In this study, finite element analysis is performed using Plaxis in order to fully understand the consequences that may arise from these potential problems. Various alternative construction methods are then being studied that includes ground modification techniques such as gravel bedding and recessed base construction, which are shown to help improve the overall and global stability of Geotubes.