Effects of reinforcement on the performance of breakwater foundation subjected to earthquake loadings

This paper deals with reinforcing technique for foundation of breakwater which provides resiliency to breakwater against earthquakes. Gabions and sheet piles were used in foundation of breakwater as reinforcing measures against earthquake loadings. Shaking table tests were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the technique under different earthquake loadings, and comparisons were made between conventional and the reinforced foundation. Numerical analyses were also performed to elucidate the mechanism of the reinforcement–soil–breakwater system during earthquakes. The results of this study reveal the advantages of the technique in reducing settlement and horizontal displacement of the breakwater during different earthquake loadings.