Numerical Modeling - Wave Transformation

Wave transformation may be described as the change in wave characteristics as waves enter shallow water and approach the shore. An accurate assessment of wave transformation is critical to most coastal sites. Underestimated waves may result in damage or destruction of the project, while overestimated waves may increase costs.

Baird regularly uses a number of wave transformation models, and will select the appropriate model(s) for each site. Recent contracts with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate various models has provided the company with a wealth of information regarding the strength and limits of these models.

Baird employs innovative approaches that allow us to efficiently transform large datasets, and take advantage of the detailed data from our offshore wave generation model. This technique, which involves transforming the entire 2D spectra, has demonstrated much better comparisons with field data than conventional techniques.