ABSTRACT
Geotextile tubes are commonly used as revetments and breakwaters in coastal protection structures, where most are in relatively shallow waters. A common installation method involves dropping the filled geotextile tubes from split bottom hopper barges onto the seabed in a free-fall manner. However, this method may not be suitable in deep waters because of the lack of accuracy in its placement subjected to harsh waves and current conditions. This paper critically evaluates an innovative installation method that can be done in deep waters (i.e., water depth 20–40 m) that promise adequate placement accuracy, speedy installation, and cost effectiveness. This method makes use of a high-capacity floating crane barge to lower fully filled geotextile tubes from a barge onto the seabed. A trial of this method was conducted in Singapore to construct an underwater geotextile tube bund. Monitoring sensors were installed on the geotextile tubes to monitor the effectiveness of this installation process. In addition, shape accelerometer arrays were installed beneath the geotextile tubes to monitor the ground settlement and accuracy of installation. Results from instrumentation data and observations show that the high-capacity crane barge is an effective method for the installation of geotextile tubes in deep waters of 20–40 m range.
