DESIGN AND LAYOUT OPTIMIZATION OF ROCK-FILLED MATTRESS SOLUTIONS FOR SCOUR PREVENTION BY MEANS OF SAND BED DEFORMATION TESTING UNDER MULTIPLE PROPELLER JET INDUCED FLOWS

Propeller jets produced by large vessels generate high flow velocities near quay walls, jetties, and locks. To protect the stability of these structures a bed protection is typically recommended, otherwise the structures may collapse due to scour at the toe. Guidelines for the design of bed protection exists, but propeller-induced loads are far from fully understood and current design guidelines may not always result in optimal bed protection designs. Therefore, the aim of the research is to better understand the loading on the harbor bed and its response to optimize the design of bed protection systems.