Evaluation the Engineering Properties of Rocks and Suggesting a Criterion to Select Rock Material for Construction of Rubble Mound Breakwaters in Southern Coast of Iran

Rocks are natural materials used in a variety of coastal protection structures, especially in rubble mound breakwaters. Engineering properties of rocks, such as durability and resistance to degradation factors of the marine environments are important properties which construction material of marine structures should behave. Rock durability is a function of rock properties and condition of environment in which the rock will be used. Regarding the economical importance of constructed coastal ports and facilities in coast lines of south Iran, it is necessary to evaluate the engineering properties of rocky construction materials in such structures from durability and degradation point of view. In this study, by investigating and sampling the used rock material in 27 constructed rubble mound breakwaters along the 1000 km south Iran's coastlines, from Amery Port in western part to Pasabandar Port in 85 km east Chabahar, and regarding the observations that collected in field visual investigations and engineering tests of durability examination, the experimental relationship between physical, mechanical and durability parameter of studied rocks have been concluded and consequently criterion to select the suitable rock of three groups of rocks limestone, igneous rock and bioclastic sedimentary rock (lomashell) have been presented individually.