Analytical Model to Find the Best Location for Construction of New Commercial Harbors

An analytical model to find the best location for construction of new commercial harbors is proposed. For this model a global formula is proposed. The transportation price, the distribution of population, capacity of the existing harbors and import/export cargo demand are the main parameters in the proposed formula. As a case study, the formula is applied to Iran. This case study shows that the location of Imam Khomeini Harbor is selected correctly. This is why that at the present time about 60% of the goods imported to Iran passes through this harbor. Applying this case study and a comparison of the results obtained from the proposed model shows a very good agreement between the results obtained from the application of the model and the actual situation of the harbors in Iran. The final location of the new harbor is determined by considering the local environmental conditions including the wind, waves, current, sedimentation conditions, and also by the distance from the quarry of stones and materials to the harbor. A computer program has been developed to find the best location to construct the new harbor and to simulate the wave characteristics and wave loads applied to rubble mound structures. Wave characteristics have been simulated by applying Bretschneider formulas and wave theories for deep waters and shallow waters. Wave characteristics are simulated numerically by considering mainly the fetch lengths, wind velocities and durations, difference between sea water and air temperatures, refraction, shoaling, seabed friction and different conditions of waves. An application of numerical simulation of wave characteristics is also presented.