Stability relations of rip-rap revisited

K. d'Angremond, G. J. Schiereck, H. L. Fontijn, M. R.A. Gent

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientific

Abstract

Practically, all stability relations in use for the design of slopes with rubble or rip-rap protections are of an empirical nature. Based on experimental data, they have been obtained by curve fitting. One of their limitations therefore is that they can only be used within the range of the experiments executed. Two widely used stability relations are those by Hudson and Van der Meer. Iribarren started already 60 years ago with a model based on a, although simple, physical concept. Hudson tried to establish proportionality constants for this concept with tests in a wave flume with regular waves, but did not completely succeed. He finally came with the well-known equation that can be used for preliminary design of breakwaters. For gentle and very steep slopes, the influence of the slope angle is not represented correctly, due to the empirical nature of the equation. The same is true for revetments where the Hudson equation underestimates the wave attack. Moreover, the Hudson equation does not take into account the wave period and some other parameters that influence the stability. So, although the results of Van der Meer's relation are quite acceptable for practical use, it is rather unsatisfactory that, despite spectacular breakthroughs in fluid dynamics and hydraulic engineering, we still do not have a stability relation based on insight into the physical processes. The search for a stability relation with a more sound physical basis is therefore still justified, e.g. for geometries differing from simple slopes, and also from an educational point of view. Two completely different pilot projects at Delft University of Technology indicate that efforts to establish such a relation are promising.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCoastal Engineering 2000
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 27th International Conference on Coastal Engineering, ICCE 2000
EditorsB. L. Edge
Place of PublicationReston USA
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages1911-1920
Number of pages10
Volume2
ISBN (Print)0-7844-0549-2, 9780784405499
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2001
EventCoastal Engineering 2000 - 27th International Conference on Coastal Engineering, ICCE 2000 - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Duration: 16 Jul 200021 Jul 2000

Publication series

Name
PublisherASCE
Name
Volume2

Conference

ConferenceCoastal Engineering 2000 - 27th International Conference on Coastal Engineering, ICCE 2000
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney, NSW
Period16/07/0021/07/00

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