News - 02/04/14

Cowes Harbour Master Capt. Stuart McIntosh and Iain Roberts, Maritime Engineer at Atkins, were both in attendance at the recent physical modelling tests for the Cowes breakwater, carried out at the specialist Deltares hydrodynamic test centre in Delft, Holland on 20th March. They were joined throughout the three-day testing sequence by the chief designer responsible for the Cowes breakwater design. 

Capt. McIntosh commented: “Although the breakwater design has undergone extensive computer testing, these scale models provide a robust physical test. I’m pleased to say that the design passed with flying colours.” A full test modelling report will be issued and reviewed by Atkins and CHC as part of the design approval process. 

The testing encompassed a range of wave conditions and tidal heights, up to the maximum that could be expected over a 100-year period. The results also recorded any damage to the rock armour as a result of these severe conditions, with initial results indicating that the breakwater met or performed better than the designer’s calculations.

Top photo: Cowes breakwater design undergoes physical modelling tests at the Deltares hydrodynamic test centre in Delft, Holland.