Abstract
This paper describes the design and construction process for the West Breakwater of the Outer Port of A Coruña (Spain), focusing on the technological advantages of Cubipod®. The West Breakwater is the second phase of the 1,350 m-long secondary breakwater which will shelter the harbour from the western storms; the 450 m-long South Breakwater, completed in 2013, was the first phase. In addition to completing the secondary breakwater, the project included quays and reclamation works inside the basin. Figure 1 shows the location of the Outer Port of A Coruña.
Location of the Outer Port of A Coruña
The original Port Authority design was based on a Level III probabilistic approach and validated with 1/51-scale 3D physical tests performed by GEAMA (Universidade da Coruña) in the CITTEC facilities. Alternative design was awarded with the contract, using a Cubipod® armour design. A single-layer armour was used in the trunk, but given client specifications, a double-layer armour was required for the roundhead.
The Cubipod® is proprietary armour unit invented in 2005 by J.R. Medina and M.E. Gómez-Martín at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). During this project, new challenges had to be faced, such as constructing a transition between single- and double-layer armours (what was solved by modifying the filter thickness of single- and double-layer armours to keep a homogeneous external armour profile) and manufacturing and handling of 45-tonne Cubipods. Construction finished in November 2016 with no problems or delays in schedule.
