Dynamic soil response around two-layered detached breakwaters: Three-dimensional OpenFOAM model

For the design of breakwaters, the evaluation of wave-induced seabed response around breakwaters is particularly crucial. Most of the previous studies of the wave–seabed interactions in the vicinity of a breakwater have been limited to two dimensions, which cannot replicate the inherent complexity of the ocean environment. Unlike the previous studies, an integrated three-dimensional numerical model is developed in OpenFOAM. In this study, the engineering problem of two-layered detached breakwaters is investigated and compared with conventional one-layered breakwaters in terms of transmission rate, consolidation process, wave-induced seabed dynamic response, shear failure, and momentary liquefaction. Numerical results indicate that the two-layered breakwater has a greater ability for wave dissipation regarding to the lower transmission rate found at the shore-ward of breakwaters. The consolidation process reveals that the self-weight of the breakwater has a substantial impact on the stress fields in the vicinity of breakwaters, which will directly affect shear failure and transient liquefaction in the seabed. Ignoring the consolidation process will miss-estimate the failure potential of the seabed, which may result in permanent damage to offshore structures. •The inertial term is considered in this numerical model for dynamic seabed responses.•Details of 3D geometry is simulated for wave–structure–seabed interaction problems.•Two-layered breakwater has advantages in reduction of shear failure and liquefaction.