Assessing influence of waves on riverbank stability: A centrifuge modeling approach

Erosion along riverbanks stands as a critical natural disaster, severely impacting the economy and livelihoods of those near rivers. The erosion occurs from the weakening and displacement of materials along the bank, driven by various elements such as water flow, ship-generated waves, agricultural practices, and nearby infrastructure. The soil-water interface presents a complex challenge, sparking extensive studies into understanding the interplay between hydrodynamic forces and soil properties. This research focuses on assessing how water waves influence riverbank stability. Through a series of centrifuge experiments, it investigates the relationship between wave-induced dynamic pressure and erosion rates. Findings suggest that the wave height of 0.22 to 0.24 meters on the prototype scale can be simulated under a 20 g artificial acceleration in the centrifuge modelling. The erosion process develops in three distinct phases: initial erosion, formation of tension cracks, and eventual collapse, underscoring the practical importance of understanding wave pressure and soil resistance to predict erosion rates and design effective mitigation measures for riverbank and geotechnical structures.