Author(s): Willems Marc; Hassan Wael; Heyvaert Glen
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Physical model; Hydrodynamic model; Tidal cycle; Port of Zeebrugge; Flow dynamics
Abstract: Development, operation and maintenance of the port of Zeebrugge and its access channel are facing various hydrodynamic and sedimentation problems. The port entrance is facing a strong cross tidal flow which can reach 2 m/s during maximum flood. This strong current reduces the port accessibility and creates unfavourable conditions for large ships. The port authority is preparing plans for a new port expansion, which add new challenges for understanding the hydrodynamic processes in this area. A new physical scale model with fixed bed is constructed at Flanders Hydraulics Research (in Dutch: Waterbouwkundig Laboratorium) to study this highly dynamic tidal region at the Belgium coast. The main aim of the present research is to set up a well calibrated model using the on-site data which will help in a profound understanding of the important hydrodynamic processes around and inside the port. The next step will be testing and evaluating the recommended port expansions. The present paper focuses on the calibration methodology, the measurement techniques and the results of the comparison between the calibrated physical model and the field measurements. A 3D numerical model is used to generate the first iteration with the boundary conditions. Model results are improved by adjusting the main driving parameters in the model. The final and best model result is obtained by increasing the roughness height in the shallow areas. The complete time varying spring tidal cycle is accurately reproduced in the physical model.
Year: 2014