The NRC's coastal wave basin (CWB) serves as a narrow 3D basin or a very wide 2D flume. It is ideal for conducting two-dimensional and three-dimensional physical model studies of wave and current interactions with structures and shorelines at medium to large scales.
Our capabilities
Long-crested, irregular waves with significant heights of up to 0.4 m (1.3 ft ) can be generated. High-efficiency wave absorbers give less than 5 % reflection over a wide range of depths, wave periods and heights. The basin can be configured to generate bi-directional currents, and combined wave+current flows can be modeled.
By erecting temporary partition walls, the facility can be sub divided into several narrower channels for conducting two-dimensional studies of multiple cross sections in parallel. This approach is an efficient method for evaluating the relative performance of several alternative design concepts and for refining preliminary designs. Once the structure's cross section is optimized, the partition walls can be removed and the three-dimensional aspects of its performance can be investigated in the same facility.
The basin can be accessed easily by heavy equipment used in constructing model bathymetries. The basin is also served by a 1-ton traversing gantry crane and a mobile service bridge.
Features of the NRC's coastal wave basin
- A 63 m × 14.2 m × 1.4 m (206.7 ft × 46.6 ft × 4.6 ft ) wave basin served by a 1-ton traversing gantry crane and a mobile service bridge
- Comprehensive wave synthesis and generation software including second-order compensation
- The ability to generate a wide range of wave conditions including long-crested irregular waves with significant heights up to 0.4 m (1.3 ft ), and regular waves up to 0.55 m (1.8 ft )
- High-efficiency passive wave absorbers that give less than 5 % reflection over a wide range of depth, wave period and wave height
- Various options for generating currents using a combination of recirculation channels, thrusters and pumps
- Simultaneous generation of waves and currents
- Rapid draining and filling
- Easy access for heavy equipment to support construction model bathymetries and structures
- Full range of instrumentation systems for measuring waves, currents, pressures, forces, runup, overtopping, scour and armour unit stability
- Data acquisition on up to 64 channels at 1000 samples per second
- A digital video recording system including both regular and high-speed cameras
Why work with us
In working to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization, the NRC plays a critical role in collaborating with industry to assess the performance of infrastructure project designs, marine vehicles and marine operations in operational and extreme conditions and develop optimizations to improve performance, increase safety and reduce lifecycle costs. Working with the NRC offers you the competitive advantage of world class, customizable testing facilities combined with the broad knowledge and experience of our in-house research staff. The NRC's professional staff has extensive experience in many engineering fields, including the behaviour and performance of structures and vehicles in complex ocean, coastal and river environments.
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