Stability of block mats under flow conditions

Block mattresses or block mats are, nowadays, very commonly applied as protection in a large range of applications either against flow or wave loads. Specifically, this large range of applications contains offshore pipeline protection and stabilization, erosion and scour protection, protection of embankments and river banks (slope protection). The reason why block mattresses are increasingly used in many applications as protection system is due to the following advantages compared to discrete-unit armour systems such as quarry stone or individually-placed blocks which are the enhanced stability that block mats have because of the virtue of connection between adjacent blocks and their properties of being able to be laid quickly and efficiently even under water.Civil Engineering and GeosciencesHydraulic Engineerin