Coastal wave basin (CWB)

Length - 63m
Width - 14.2m
Maximum depth - 1.4m
Waves - Long-crested irregular waves with significant heights up to 0.35m
Beaches - High-efficiency passive wave absorbers give less than 5% reflection over a wide range of depth, wave period and wave height
Currents - Various options using recirculation channels, thrusters and pumps
Drainable - Yes
Access - Easy access for construction equipment plus 1-ton gantry crane
Data acquisition - Up to 64 channels at 1000 samples per second

The Coastal Wave Basin can be thought of as either a relatively narrow 3D basin or a very wide 2D flume. It is ideal for conducting two-dimensional and quasi-three-dimensional studies of structures and shorelines at medium to large scale.

By erecting temporary partition walls, the facility can easily be sub-divided into several narrower channels, so that two-dimensional studies of multiple cross-sections can be conducted in parallel. This approach is an efficient method for evaluating the relative performance of several alternative design concepts, and for refining preliminary designs. Once the structure cross-section is optimized, the partition walls can be removed and the three-dimensional aspects of its performance can be investigated in the same facility. The basin can be accessed easily by heavy equipment used in constructing model bathymetries. The basin is also served by a 1 ton traversing gantry crane and a mobile service bridge.

Contact

Noel Murphy
Telephone: 709-772-4939
Email: Noel.Murphy@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca