Research Laboratory
We have various current flumes, in which we conduct hydromorphological research. What sedimentation and erosion processes occur around offshore structures? What properties does the (dredged) sediment at your project location have? We research these processes and parameters in our current flumes.
Flumes with currents and waves
We have a large and a small current flume in which we generate both currents and waves. We frequently employ these flumes for our clients, to determine the flow speed at which sediment at a project location becomes suspended, for instance. To this end, our clients send sediment samples to our lab, so we can determine these parameters. We then use these parameters to improve the accuracy of our numerical models.
Our large flume has a length of 13m, in which we achieve flow speeds of approx. 1m/s. Using the flume’s integrated wave generator, we study the effect of both currents and waves on the stability of structures, among other things. We also conduct fundamental research on the exchange between sediment and the water column, which we use to improve existing numerical models.
Experiments on the erosion resistance of sand–silt mixtures under currents and waves
» Determining erosion and sedimentation processes, e.g. around offshore structures
» Determining physical (sediment) parameters such as seabed shear stress, and the beginning of motion e.g. focused on dredging activities
» Research towards the improvement of numerical models, e.g. on the interaction between sand and silt under influence of currents and waves in the MUSA research programme
Bekijk onze stroomgoot projecten
Effects of Dredged Material Disposal in the Eems
The navigational channel between the Eemshaven and the North Sea needs to be dredged regularly to remain accessible to seagoing vessels. The dredged sediment is disposed of at various disposal sites, which may have an impact on the local ecology. To assess these effects, flow conditions and sediment concentrations were measured at a disposal site during sediment disposal operations. Based on these measurements and a numerical modelling study, WaterProof assessed whether sediment disposal at location P0 could have significant adverse effects on the ecology.
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.
Impact of EMF and Underwater Sound on Harbour Porpoises
Export cables are used to connect offshore wind farms to onshore substations, from where the electricity is fed into the national power grid. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are generated around buried export cables as a result of the electrical current flowing through them. These EMF may potentially affect marine life. The magnitude of these fields and their potential impact are still largely unknown. We therefore work with several partners on different measurement and research projects to better understand and assess these effects. Research into the potential relationship between EMF and harbour porpoise presence within the Borssele offshore wind farm is one example.
