Wave induced pore water pressure in rubble-mound sea wall

This paper deals with the results obtained through an experimental prototype study aiming to evaluate the behaviour of a particular sea-wall under wave attack and to determine the pressure field inside the core of the structure itself. For this study some sections of the Murazzi sea-wall, in the extreme south of the Venetian Lagoon shore-line have been instrumented. The data obtained through the gauges have been analysed and the interaction between incident waves and structure, evaluated during a big storm, is reported. A finite element model was the applied to the described structure in order to estimate the wave induced pore pressure inside the core of the rubble mound sea-wall. Numerical results and in situ measurements have been compared in order to calibrate the model, estimating the proper values of the geotechnical parameters to be assumed for a correct schematization of the investigated structure. In particular the effect of parameters, such as the volumetric water content, the pore-water storage capacity and the permeability on the non confined seepage flow were taken into account in the model applications.