SURCHARGE LOAD ACTING ON THE BLOCK SITTING IN THE BOTTOM-LAYER OF WAVE-DISSIPATING WORKS

In Japan, a structural performance evaluation method for wave-dissipating concrete blocks has not yet been established. In this study, surcharge load acting on the block sitting in the bottom-layer of wave-dissipating works was investigated through model experiments against permanent action and variable wave action. Based on the results of model experiments, surcharge loads by permanent action could be approximated by a gamma distribution. And, it is related to the relative density of wave-dissipating works and buoyancy of the blocks. Surcharge load by wave action in the case of small wave height are affected by the variation of buoyancy, while in the case of large wave height, surcharge loads are affected by the contact force of blocks by wave force propagations. The amplitude of the surcharge load by wave action is proportional to the wave height.