Experimental Investigation of the Hydro-Morphodynamic Performances of a Geocontainer Submerged Reef

Abstract

This work reports on an experimental investigation focused on the hydro-morphodynamic response of a submerged reef made of geotextile sand containers (GSCs). Reflection and transmission across the barrier were evaluated focusing on the effects of (1) placement of the GSC, (2) filling sand, and (3) saturation of the structure. Moreover, the hydraulic stability of the GSC reef and the scour at the offshore toe were analyzed and compared with other literature studies. Results showed that a stability curve separates the stable condition from the incipient motion. The scour follows the time evolution of traditional structures, but its maximum value is deeper than that shown at the toe of a rubble-mound structure.