Post‐Construction Performance of 4.6‐km Breakwater

Abstract

This paper presents the performance aspects of a 4.6‐km‐long breakwater constructed in 1979 but not accepted by the owner until 1983, when remedial works were completed and post‐construction liabilities were established. The breakwater is of rubble mound construction with quarry run fill protected by a rock armor layer that is further reinforced on the seaside by a layer of precast concrete stabits. The stabits are secured at the crest by a concrete buttress wall. Delayed acceptance of the facility was attributed mainly to the development of cracks in the concrete buttress wall and the damage and/or settlement of a number of the protecting concrete stabits. The cracks ranged from a hairline cracking along the entire length of the breakwater to an extensive, relatively deep and wide cracking pattern at a number of isolated locations. Several stabits were found to be broken, and a few isolated locations, the stabit skin appeared to have slumped in short lengths. This paper describes the field investigations conducted, the nature of the cracks depicted, and the remedial works performed. To draw some lessons from this experience, the paper also raises the question of post‐construction liability, particularly on an international level, and illustrates that through negotiations and team effort such problems can be resolved, bringing the contract to a final settlement.