A test site case study on the long-term behavior of geotextile tubes

This case study investigates the long-term seam performance over time for six geotextile tubes, which incorporated three distinct seam designs: longitudinal (L), transverse (T), and longitudinal with additional transverse reinforcement (L + R). These tubes, which differed in both diameter and length, were installed at the Saemangeum Test Bed site in South Korea. The observations focus on seam alignment, stitching behavior during filling, and over a decade (2013–2023) of environmental exposure. The study reveals that the T-type seam pattern ensures superior slurry distribution during the filling phase, preventing uneven tube profiles. However, for long-term stability and performance, the L + R seam pattern emerges as the most effective, benefiting from the reinforcement effect against tensile stress. The investigation further indicates the necessity for caution against foundation scour, which compromised the integrity of one tube in the study. This research contributes to the field by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of different seam patterns for geotextile tubes in marine environments, offering practical insights for their design and installation. By identifying the L + R seam pattern as the most viable for long-term durability, this study guides engineers in optimizing geotextile tube construction for environmental and coastal engineering projects.