Laboratory Description of Harbor Idealized Tests. Volume 1: Main Text and Appendixes A Through C

A three-dimensional, physical model study of a generalized harbor and entrance using regular and irregular waves and tidal ebb currents was conducted in the directional spectral wave basin. The purpose of this study was to (1) gain a better understanding of the physics involved in wave transformation from deep water into harbors, (2) confirm accurate simulation of this transformation in physical models, (3) verify the HARBD numerical model, a steady-state hybrid element model which includes the effects of bottom friction and boundary absorption in harbors of arbitrary configuration and variable bathymetry, and (4) generate a data set for improving Corps design procedures. The three- dimensional, 1:45 scale physical model reproduced a rectangular, 40-ft-deep flat-bottom harbor, contoured 40-ft entrance channel, and nearshore bathymetry. Bathymetry of the entrance channel and offshore area were representative of field conditions. The physical model of the idealized harbor included regular and irregular waves and ebb currents to study the effects that frequency and directional spreading, harbor resonance, wave grouping, channel entrance, and wave-current interaction have on harbor response. Typical prototype wave periods were 8 and 14 sec (1.19 and 2.09 sec, respectively, in the model). A prototype wave height of 3.75 ft (1 in. model) was selected for all tests to prevent overtopping and breaking and minimize nonlinear interactions. Waves had overall mean wave directions of 0 deg and + or - 2.5 deg, relative to a direction perpendicular to the wavemaker. Data sets, Harbor wave transformation, Harbor modeling, Irregular waves, Harbor numerical models, Physical models.