As an important coastal protective structure, the breakwater is prone to failure due to foundation damage under seismic actions. However, the seismic performance evaluation of breakwaters has received little attention. This study conducts a seismic fragility analysis of composite breakwaters constructed on liquefiable foundations. By adopting a performance-based seismic design (PBSD) approach and considering the record-to-record (RTR) variability of ground motions, the seismic performance of the breakwaters is assessed over their entire lifecycle. Based on the results of the parameter sensitivity analysis, the reinforcement schemes were proposed in terms of delaying foundation liquefaction and limiting the lateral displacement of liquefied soil. The results of the seismic intensity measure (IM) parameter selection indicate that the commonly used peak ground acceleration (PGA) exhibits a weak correlation with the seismic response of the breakwater, whereas the cumulative absolute velocity (CAV) has a strong correlation. The comparison of the reinforcement schemes shows that the Dense Sand Column (DC) scheme provides significant reinforcement effects, while the Concrete Sheet Pile (CSP) scheme is more suitable for reinforcing existing breakwaters. The seismic performance assessment framework can also be applied to other structures where structural damage is closely related to foundation deformation, such as caisson quays and embankments.

This study examines the failure mechanisms of offshore caisson-type composite breakwaters (OCCBs) under seismic loading through 1g shaking table model tests, comparing cases with and without remediation measures against seabed soil liquefaction. For this purpose, several countermeasures are implemented, comprising wraparound geogrid inclusions within the rubble mound layer, stone columns and compacted improvement zones in the seabed soil, all aimed at enhancing the seismic resilience and stability of OCCBs. Six physical model tests are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the applied remediation measures in minimizing liquefactioninduced deformations of OCCBs, including settlement, lateral movement, and tilting. Experimental findings indicate that the caisson settlement is primarily caused by the lateral flow of the foundation soil and the rubble mound layer. The combined use of stone columns and wraparound geogrid reinforcements efficiently mitigates this lateral flow. Notably, remediating just 2.8 % of the liquefiable seabed soil with stone columns decreases OCCB settlement and tilting by 45.4 % and 31 %, respectively, compared to the non-remediated model. Additionally, incorporating wraparound geogrid reinforcements within the rubble mound layer results in even further reductions of settlement and tilting by 90.6 % and 91.3 %, respectively. This research offers valuable insights for developing effective countermeasures to mitigate seismic-induced damage to OCCBs seated on liquefiable seabed soils.