Koniambo Wharf 3 m Flume Testing
Client: Connell Hatch
Year: 2006
Project Reference: 06003
New Caledonia is a very active tropical cyclone area - high storm surge levels and cyclone wave conditions can expose coastal structures to significant overtopping. Consequently these conditions have to be included in the structural design.
The Water Research Laboratory was commissioned by Connell Hatch to undertake a 2D physical model investigation for a proposed heavy duty wharf structure at Koniambo, in the northern province of New Caledonia. WRL constructed in the 3 m wave flume a 1:15 undistorted scale model of the piled wharf, to investigate wave overtopping and wave uplift forces. Ultra-sonic sensors were deployed to measure depths and velocities of inundation bores; while pressure transducers monitored pressure uplifts, due to wave impact on the bottom of the wharf; and an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) recorded flow velocities within the water column.
The wharf structure was tested using different wave climates and valuable data sets were recorded to assist in the design of the full scale wharf structure. The model also allowed an investigation of the dynamics of uplift pressure on slabs due to wave impact.
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