Erosion of sediment through cellular revetment blocks applied as slope protection along coasts and inland waterways

Erosion of banks and dikes subjected to water motion can be prevented, for instance, by application of cellular concrete revetment blocks. This type of revetment combines the merits of a closed block revetment and a slope revetment consisting of loose materials. Advantages are high permeability, high stability against wave attack and low block weight. On top of this, cellular blocks are appealing because they allow the growth of vegetation. It is of vital importance that the granular material in the holes does not erode completely. Therefore physical model tests were carried out in order to investigate the stability of the fillings in the holes when attacked by waves and currents. Based on the results relationships might be derived between, on the one hand, water motion and on the other hand, hole dimensions and characteristics of the materials in the holes. This paper describes the tests and the results obtained so far.