Hi,
I am currently exploring a topic that, to my surprise, seems to be relatively underrepresented in conventional geotechnical and coastal engineering literature. The challenge at hand pertains to designing foundations for edifications situated atop existing breakwater structures, particularly those made of rockfill.
While breakwaters themselves are well-researched in terms of their construction and wave-protection capabilities, there seems to be a noticeable gap in the literature when it comes to designing and dimensioning foundations for buildings intended to be erected on these structures.
The primary questions include:
Given the unique combination of coastal and geotechnical engineering challenges this topic presents, I am reaching out to this knowledgeable community for assistance. If you have encountered any studies, research papers, technical manuals, or case studies that delve into this subject, or if you have personal experiences or insights to share, your input would be immensely valuable.
Thank you in advance for shedding light on this matter.
Best regards,
Konstantinos Polemis
Konstantinos Polemis Júnior Konstantinos, I suggest looking in two areas; (1) building design in coastal cities that need to be resistant to category 3 to 5 (175 to +265 K/h) hurricanes/typhoons and (2) the design of light houses. Personally I believe what you want to understand is how a light house is designed an attached to the land. Below are 3 links (from US building ideas) to help;
1)__Lighthouses on the Michigan Great lakes
http://www.michiganlights.com/design.htm
2)__Building Lighthouses
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/articles/building-lighthouses
3)__Lighthouse architecture: 10 contemporary projects that never go out
https://www.domusweb.it/en/architecture/gallery/2022/09/22/9-lighthouses-that-never-go-out.html
Lee Clawson
Thank you for your response. However, it seems there might have been a miscommunication. My inquiry is specifically geared towards the foundation design for buildings on rockfill breakwater structures, rather than the design of lighthouses or buildings in coastal cities with regard to hurricane resistance.
Breakwater structures present a unique challenge due to the rockfill material, which might have variable load-bearing capacities and potential voids between rocks that could affect the stability of any foundation placed atop. The primary focus is to understand the geotechnical considerations and any existing design methodologies or practices that ensure the stability and safety of buildings constructed on such structures.
I am particularly interested in:
The links provided, although interesting, seem to diverge from the core focus of my inquiry. I am looking for technical insights, research papers, or case studies that delve into foundation design and stability issues specifically for buildings on rockfill breakwater structures.
If you or anyone else in this community has encountered relevant literature or has experience in this domain, your input would be immensely valuable.
Thank you once again for your time and input.
Best regards,
Konstantinos Polemis
Konstantinos Polemis Júnior Konstantinos, Actually I thought you very clearly described the design requirements. I think I understand what you’re asking for and hope the following is helpful. In the US we build many of our lighthouses on rock foundations that jut into the water (a jetty) or are built in the water (on a reef). Compared to those that sit inland on sand beach fronts these are designed with unique considerations to withstand constant ocean waves and offshore storms. I respectfully re-submit one design concept for these structures.
What follows is a description of the concept of screwing large steel screws into the earth. Its written for the general public vs engineers. I suggest it warrants further consideration.
Some background; the series of Great Lakes are located on the US central northern border with Canada. These are extremely large, deep and treacherous waters. In practice ships and surrounding structures are designed to withstand ocean wind and waves of hurricane strength.
“These were lighthouses built in the middle of a bay on a rock and were anchored by screwing large steel screws into the rock or ocean floor to secure them down". -- Certainly other types also exist but this style is found in Michigan and along US coastlines.
While I haven’t looked at the construction specs I also ask you look into the “Bell Rock Lighthouse”. It sits on a -reef- off the coast of Angus, Scotland. As far as I know the masonry work on which the lighthouse rests was constructed to such a high standard that it has not been replaced or adapted in 200 years. -- Based solely on the engineering challenges that were overcome to build the lighthouse it was introduced to me as a modern version of the Lighthouse of Alexandria; that is, as an “industrial wonder” of the modern world.
Actually I agree with Lee Clawson's replying, and I recommend his suggestion about the 3 links that he shared.
Best of luck for you 🌷
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Methodology
- Research Methodology
- Research Papers