Simulating the effect of flow volume on scouring process around breakwater under tsunami condition by SPH method

Abstract

The study has attempted to simulate scouring process around the breakwater by smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method. SPH is a mesh less numerical method with a high capability of simulating large deformation of geo-material. However, SPH application in geotechnical problem is relatively new. The study has developed a simplified model arrangement with water and soil particle. Scouring process was simulated for saturated and dry soil by allowing water to fall continuously. The soil has the properties of elastic-perfectly plastic model with Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria. The water has the properties of viscous fluid. Scouring occurred as seepage force tried to drag the soil particles. Scouring process was found to advance with time and with increase in flow volume for both saturated and dry soil. The outcome of the study will help to predict the scour process around breakwater. © 2013, International Journal of GEOMATE.