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The ProCoast-3D project aims to develop, apply, and test methodologies for predicting the structural behavior of rubble-mound breakwaters (RMB) (Figure 1). These methodologies will form part of an innovative decision-support system for planning and prioritizing maintenance and repair activities, thereby enhancing the safety, functionality, and resilience of RMBs to climate change.
Investment in port infrastructure is a priority in national strategic plans, primarily focusing on rehabilitation interventions. These works are crucial for modern networks of goods and passenger transport and have significant socioeconomic relevance. Maintaining these structures in good condition through the timely adoption of mitigating measures, prompted by early warnings, will reduce maintenance costs and economic losses due to port disruptions.
The project contributes to the understanding of the hydraulic-structural behavior of RMBs, including in climate change scenarios, based on the results of physical (3D) models. This approach allows for the development and testing of new empirical models, as well as comparison with existing models, for predicting erosion in the armor layer with artificial concrete blocks, which are currently the most widely used in Portugal.
The test case for the system will be the RMB of Ericeira Port (Figure 1b), which features different types of blocks in its protective armor layer. The 3D tests will be conducted at the Maritime Hydraulics Pavilion of LNEC.
Figura 1: a) Rubble mound breakwater of Ericeira’s Port, b) Artificial blocks
