The GPMDLR has requested to ARTELIA the preliminary design studies for the enlargement of the containers terminal in Port East (La Réunion). In the frame of the studies, the laboratory of ARTELIA has carried out in 2D physical model testing to evaluate the behavior of caissons exposed to cyclonic waves.
Main objectives of the study were: the evaluation of overtopping rates, the verification of stability of foot protection, and the recording of wave pressures (sensors) and loads (scale).
Given the fact that most of the waves broke violently upon the caisson, the nature of efforts was impulsive and the scaling to prototype by classical Froude similarity principles was not appropriate. Results were therefore amended following Cuomo's correction factors for the Froude scaling law (Cuomo et al. 2010).
Times series of efforts were intended to feed numerical models (static and dynamic) to assess caissons' geotechnical stability and the design of concrete parts.
