Model Investigations on Wave Disturbance and Vessel Movements in Dawei Sea Port, Myanmar

Abstract

This paper describes the use of numerical and physical modeling studies for the design of a new port on the southwestern coast of Myanmar. A series of numerical modeling scenarios was carried out to optimize the port layout including entrance channel with respect to wave penetration into the port, and to refine the design wave conditions for the sizing of the primary armor on the breakwaters. Wave conditions inside and outside the port were assessed using a two-dimensional Boussinesq wave model. As a part of design process, three-dimensional physical (scale) modeling studies were undertaken at the Canadian Hydraulic Centre (CHC) in Ottawa, Canada to refine and further optimize wave agitation and disturbance levels within the port basins. This paper focuses on the influence of the length of the main breakwater section on the wave conditions and downtime inside the port, and compares the results from the numerical and physical modeling.