Hydrodynamics and Morphology
The behaviour of water and sand has fascinated us from an early age; as children, many of our colleagues built castles, dams and forts on the beach with little shovels. We have turned our hobby into our profession and still see the coastal zone as one big (water) playground. We have since become dedicated specialists in water movement, sediment transport and seabed behaviour in estuaries, the coastal zone and offshore.
The little shovels have now been replaced by larger tools: sophisticated numerical computer models, our own flow and wave flumes, jetting and dredging basin, and survey and measurement vessels.
Sedimentation & Dredging
Currents and waves constantly reshape the seabed. This can lead to sedimentation in navigation channels and harbour basins, whereas in other areas, seabed erosion and coastal retreat may occur. WaterProof supports contractors and government authorities with questions related to sedimentation and erosion. We analyse seabed data collected on site and develop numerical models to, for example, assess expected sedimentation rates following interventions.
Marine Infrastructure & Seabed Analysis
The North Sea is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, while its seabed is crossed by a vast network of marine infrastructure, including power cables and gas pipelines. With the ongoing development of offshore wind farms and other assets, subsea’s activities continue to increase. WaterProof supports its clients and partners in studies before, during and after the construction of this marine infrastructure. We apply our knowledge of the seabed and its dynamics to, for example, assess the required burial depth of subsea cables and provide forecasts of expected future seabed changes. We do this both in Dutch waters and worldwide.
Hydrographic & Morphological Monitoring
We design and conduct field measurements to collect data on currents, water levels and waves at project locations. We also measure sand, silt and clay concentrations, as well as salinity and other water quality parameters. We use these data to calibrate our numerical models and, where possible, to compare the results with laboratory experiments carried out in our flumes. The field data we collect are also used for analysis with our computational data tools. By combining these three approaches, we arrive at the most reliable answers to our clients’ specific needs.
Sandy Solutions & Design studies
In collaboration with our partners, we develop solutions for the construction, restoration and maintenance of coastlines, foreshore areas, shorelines and beach nourishment projects along sea coasts and lakes. We draw on our knowledge and expertise of the physical processes governing these systems to develop effective solutions. This enables us to design Nature-Based Solutions that best address our clients’ specific needs.
Hydrodynamics & Scour
Hydrodynamics are fundamental to engineering projects. Whether it involves powerful tidal currents, intense storm waves acting on structures, or interactions at freshwater–saltwater transitions around lock complexes, we are fascinated by these physical processes. We are keen to contribute to both knowledge development and practical solutions, for example to mitigate scour around offshore structures.
Fish Migration & Salinisation
In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to fish migration and salt intrusion, partly due to declining fish populations and dry summer periods related to climate change. WaterProof contributes to projects where these two aspects are often closely connected. We develop three-dimensional numerical models to, for example, determine the optimal design, operational parameters and management for fish passages, as well as to provide insight into salt balances within water systems and the position of freshwater–saltwater interfaces.
Learn more about our Hydrodynamics and Morphology projects
Research into Scour Pits
Offshore wind farms use different types of foundations depending on the site conditions. The most commonly used foundation types are monopiles, gravity-based structures and jacket foundations. In collaboration with Leo van Rijn, WaterProof investigated the expected dimensions of scour pits around offshore wind turbine foundations. The study combined physical scale experiments carried out in WaterProof’s flow and sediment basin with numerical modelling.
Sediment transport pathways along the south-east coast of Florida
The US state of Florida has over 2,000 km of coastline, featuring a mix of beautiful beaches and coral reefs. The south-east coast borders a wide strait, the Florida Strait, through which a strong current of warm water flows northwards. Further north, this Florida Current feeds into the Gulf Stream, which ultimately brings us the temperate climate of western Europe. Along the south-east coast, the coastline is indented by several sea inlets and access channels leading to harbours.
MUSA, Research into the behavior of mud-sand mixtures
MUSA, Research into the behavior of silt-sand mixtures Tidal basins and estuaries form an important transition zone between land and sea. These areas are vital for flora and fauna, but are also extensively used by humans, for example for shipping. For ecological and navigational purposes, it is important to understand how channels and shoals behave and what seabed compositions can be expected in different locations. The seabed in tidal basins and estuaries consists mainly of sand and silt. The channels are often sandy, whilst the intertidal zones are rich in silt. The interaction between sand and silt, combined with currents and waves, leads to a complex dynamic of migrating channels and banks in these areas.
