Physical Modeling - Waves & Structures

Baird has carried out extensive physical models tests over the past twenty years to support the development of efficient practical coastal structures. These investigations have assessed numerous topics, including:

• breakwater layout optimization and its impact on wave agitation, ship motion and mooring facilities;
• stability, optimization and design details of coastal structures;
• wave forces on fixed and floating structures;
• wave runup, overtopping and transmission;
• scour, liquefaction and settlement;
• evaluation of existing structures and rehabilitation design;
• structure layout and design for shoreline stabilization & enhancement;
• project impacts on coastal processes.

Baird's engineers are actively involved in all processes of the physical modeling, which offers the ability to direct the model investigations according to the information being gathered and the best interests of the client.

Physical models have proven to be very efficient design tools in that the cost savings that result from a well design project are typically vastly greater than the cost of the model study. This makes a physical model appropriate for most large coastal developments.