| Abstract | This paper discusses two 3D physical hydraulic model studies conducted in support of the design for a new iron ore exporting terminal located offshore of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The proposed terminal consists of a 5km long trestle, an iron ore export berth, an offshore berm breakwater, and a dredged access channel. The first model study was conducted to study wave agitation and moored vessel motion in order to estimate berth availability (downtime) for the new port, optimize and verify the breakwater length, and evaluate a softer mooring system. A 1:70 scale model of the surrounding bathymetry and preliminary terminal layout was constructed, and then modified to simulate several alternative layouts. The second model study was conducted to verify and optimize the breakwater design, which was devised as a dynamically stable berm breakwater featuring two roundheads, three straight trunk sections, and two bends. The breakwater stability study was performed in two stages (quasi-3D and fully-3D) at a scale of 1:40. The stability of the berm breakwater and the changes in breakwater profile shape under various storm intensities were analyzed in detail, and many optimizations to improve the breakwater performance, constructability, and cost effectiveness were investigated and assessed. |
|---|
