A study on the wave reflection coefficient near berthing facilities

Introduction. The article deals with the experimental studies on values of the wave reflection coefficient near the structures of berthing facilities with a front vertical wall. The authors present the findings of experimental studies conducted in the form of physical modeling. Materials and methods. The method of physical modeling was employed to conduct the experimental studies. These studies are an integral part of the research project that benefits all modern large marine cargo facilities being designed. The method of physical modeling, applied to port facilities, allows obtaining a model wave, identical to that of a full-scale object, and studying interaction between waves and designed hydraulic engineering structures within a pre-set time range. Experiments were conducted in a wave flume of the Hydraulic Engineering Centre for Research and Experiments at NRU MGSU. The most advanced measuring equipment, produced by Wallingford (UK), was used in the experiment. Results. As a result of the experiment, the authors obtained values of the coefficient of reflection of waves near a berthing facility with a vertical front wall (the bulwark type of the berthing structure), subjected to the impact of a standard storm. The main Russian regulatory document, SP (Construction regulations) 38.13330.2018 doesn’t have information about the definition of the wave reflection coefficient for all types of hydraulic structures, and the information available there is not exhaustive. The availability of information about the exact values of the wave reflection coefficient for various types of hydraulic structures, such as berthing facilities, can reasonably reduce their elevation, that will ultimately lead to a substantial reduction in construction costs and time. Conclusions. The results of these scientific studies will ensure the successful implementation of the most recent designs of seaports, terminals and cargo complexes in unfavourable natural environments, including the harsh climate of Arctic latitudes, regions where raw hydrocarbons and liquefied natural gas are intensively extracted. This will help to solve the priority task of our time: construction of new transshipment facilities along the Northern Sea Route.