ABSTRACT
Combined failure mechanisms resulting in total failure of a breakwater during a tsunami wave impact were investigated through geotechnical centrifuge modelling in DPRI. In these tests, a large amount of gas bubbles was visible during the simulation of a tsunami wave. Therefore, questions remain over the test results. It was proposed to perform the same tests under vacuum conditions in the geotechnical centrifuge of Deltares in order to investigate the influence of air intrusions on the tests results. The underlying idea was that no or a negligible amount of air intrusions will be created when the wave impact is simulated under vacuum conditions as can be created in the Deltares centrifuge. The tests under vacuum however, showed no significant differences with the tests performed under normal air pressure conditions. It is thought that vapour bubbles are created by cavitation. The paper will describe the test set-up and a comparison between the tests performed by DPRI and Deltares.
