Author(s): Leon-Carlos Dempwolff; Christian Windt; Gregor Melling; Hans Bihs; Ingrid Holzwarth; Nils Goseberg

Linked Author(s): Nils Goseberg, Hans Bihs

Keywords: No Keywords

Abstract: In confined maritime channels frequented by large vessels, in particular in estuaries which serve as access routes to seaports, ship-induced waves have become an increasingly important hydrodynamic loading factor due to the ever increasing dimensions of the vessels in operation. Of particular significance is the potential for greater damage associated with the extended wavelength of the long-period primary wave system, distinguishing it from natural hydrodynamic forces. While the mechanics of primary wave generation, driven by Bernoulli's conservation law, are well-established, its behavior as it enters shallow-water areas, such as tidal mudflats or groin fields, remains less understood (Dempwolff et al. 2022a). Field observations indicate that these shallow-water effects play a crucial role in the ship-induced damage potential and can lead to large hydrodynamic loads even in distance to the navigation fairways (Muscalus and Haas 2022; Scarpa et al. 2019). The detrimental effects comprise damage to civil works, morphodynamic changes, and deterioration of ecological habitats alike. Hence, this study seeks to investigate the intricacies of these shallow-water effects, with the goal of advancing understanding and offering valuable insights for the efficient management and mitigation of potential damage in maritime environments.

DOI:

Year: 2024