Coastal Geo-Engineering Techniques for the Assessment of Rock Armour Structures

Abstract

This work deals with the problem of assessing armourstone structures focusing on strengthening the combination of geo-marine techniques and geotechnical properties. The research has two main purposes: (i) to establish an integrative coastal geo-engineering approach for better assessment of the hydraulic structures; and (ii) to draw attention to the importance of quarry evaluation in order to improve armourstone quality and durability. Several studies have demonstrated the relevance of a holistic approach to coastal design issues. The suggested approach couples GIS-based mapping with geo-engineering techniques assessment along five pilot sectors of the Espinho coastal system in Northwestern Portugal. This investigation allowed us to propose zoning a coastal structure according to its degree of deterioration, geomechanical properties and geomaterial status. Replacement of the primary armour layer in only selected sections or components of the structure will reduce the cost of maintenance, repair and reinforcement work. All the gathered data about the preservation status of the armour layer and the quarry inventory have been compiled in a powerful GIS geo-database. The paper argues for the wider use of combination of coastal geo-engineering and GIS analysis in planning the monitoring and=or maintenance of marine works using armourstone.

Propiedades de las rocas volcánicas de Canarias (España) utilizadas como material de escollera

“…One of the main issues for rock construction projects are their scale (size of the structure and blocks) as well as the availability, quality and handling of materials (6). As we said before, volcanic rocks are not always available for use in construction, because they are sometimes in protected environments where they cannot be extracted.…”