Numerical and physical modelling studies for the port of Split

This paper presents a summary review of integrated research on the present status and the planned development of the City Port of Split, Croatia, through the numerical and physical modelling of waves, sea currents and sea quality. Initially, research was conducted on wave deformations with the use of numerical and physical models. After defining the required extensions of the breakwater and the reflection characteristics of the internal port waterfront necessary to achieve the given criterion of agitation, numerical modelling was used to examine the influence of the planned works on the sea circulation and water mass exchange with the surrounding sea. The numerical model was also applied to analyse changes in the dissolved oxygen concentration within the protected part of the port. The physical model of wave agitation was constructed at a length scale of 50, and in the numerical analysis of wave agitation, the numerical model Mike 21/BW was used. Analyses of the sea currents and of the dynamics of dissolved oxygen concentrations were conducted by means of the numerical model Mike 3. The results of the research indicate that in order to achieve the required criterion of agitation, the main breakwater should be extended by 60 m and the secondary breakwater by 50 m, and part of the internal waterfront should be constructed with dissipation chambers with a maximum reflection coefficient of 0·5 for the given incident wave conditions. Such changes would not considerably affect the existing water mass exchange and the dissolved oxygen distribution.