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  • rbalaji@iitb.ac.in

Capabilities and Numerical Tools

Model Studies Available Numerical Schemes
Wave modelling
    Wave transformation studies
    Wave agitation / tranquillity studies
    Harbour layout / optimisation studies
    Design wave characteristics-Estimation

WAVEWATCH III
SWAN
CMSWAVE/STWAVE
BOUSS
Tide modelling
    Tidal levels & currents- hydrodynamics
    Flushing- artificial/natural
    Suspended sediment plume dispersion
    Harbour/Creek/Estuary Siltation Dynamics
    Thermal plume dispersion studies
    Water quality/DO- Environmental studies


TELEMAC
DELFT-3D
RMA2 & RMA4
MOHID
Sediment transport
    Longshore sediment transport- Coastal erosion/accretion
    Cross shore sediment transport- storm induced beach profile changes
GENESIS
GENCADE
SBEACH
XBEACH


Typical Case Studies

Large Scale Wave Modelling

Few large scale wave models, domains spreading to several thousands of square kilometres, are developed for specific conditions. To mention a few, wave model for the entire Bay of Bengal has been developed, using advanced WAVEWATCH III numerical scheme, which gives the estimate of wave characteristics all along East coast of India, with offshore winds as input.

In addition, a unique & dedicated wave-tide coupled model has been developed, exclusively for Gulf of Khambhat, where the tidal dynamics and predominant and influence the wave characteristics.

The results of in-house developed large scale wave models are validated with many in-situ data buoy measurements, thanks to the data provided by various Indian research institutions (INCOIS, NIOT, NIO).













Regional Scale Wave Modelling

Several regional scale wave models, spatial domains of few hundred square kilometres, are developed with input either from large scale models and or from global models. These models are developed using either WAVEWATCH III or SWAN, depending up on the domain requirements. To name a few, specific wave models have been developed for selected coasts of India (Pondicherry, Andhra Pradhesh, Maharashtra, South Gujarat, Goa), Kuwait, AbuDhabi, Bahrain, SriLanka and various other regions of globe.

These regional scale models are usually developed, based on the requirement to represent the regional conditions and are validated with field measurements, as available.












Local Scale Wave Modelling/ Wave Agitation/ Tranquility

A number of location specific local scale wave models are developed, usually to understand local sediment transport dynamics, to estimate the nearshore wave characteristics or for a wave agitation/tranquillity studies to assess port/breakwater layouts. Several numerical model based port layout optimisation studies have been carried out, both for expansion of existing ports and development of new ports, which, in general, utilise Boussnisqe numerical scheme. Wave tranquillity models use the wave characteristics off nearshore regions. Regions of such local scale wave models ranging from India (Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry & Goa), Kuwait, Srilanka and few other middle-east countries.

A thorough understanding of nearshore wave characteristics is essential for various engineering projects, such as; (i) Estimation of longshore currents and associated sediment transport (ii) Coastal erosion and necessary protection measures.

















Large Scale Tidal Modelling

Understanding the tides and its dynamics is essential for coastal engineering related research studies. The tidal hydrodynamics of large spatial domains have been studied, using DELFT-3D, Telemac-2D/3D and MOHID, for various locations. To mention a few, tide model for the entire Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Khambat, Gulf of Kutch, Arabian Gulf and Taiwan have been developed.

The unique tidal amplification nature of two Gulfs in India, Khambhat and Kutch, are captured by our numerical models and validated against in-situ measurements of water levels and currents, again thanks to various Indian institutes.







Regional Scale Tidal Modelling

Region specific tidal models are usually developed for better understanding of the dynamics. A number of regional scale tidal hydrodynamics models are developed, with input either from large scale models and or from global models, for regions like part of Indian coast (Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Thane creek-Mumbai, South Gujarat), Srilanka, Abudhabi, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and several other middle-east countries. These regional scale models are usually are validated with field measurements, as available.





Local Scale Tidal Modelling

Local scale/project specific tidal models have many advantages of finer mesh resolution & true representation of coastal/land features, capturing fine flow circulation characteristics and better control of influencing parameters. Many curtailed or local scale tidal hydrodynamic models, for Indian coast (Estuaries/river mouths-Gujarat, Tiracol-Goa, Narsapur-AP) & elsewhere, (UAE, Bahrain and several other middle-east countries) have been developed for thorough understanding of tidal currents. These local scale models exclusively utilise the advantages of results of the existing regional and or large scale tidal models. The local scale models are usually validated with either available and or some of our own field measurements.

Understanding of tidal hydrodynamics are important for various engineering projects, such as;

  • Natural tidal flushing of estuaries/ creeks/lakes/rivers/port/harbour basins
  • Saline water ingress characteristics in fresh water bodies / ground flow
  • Understanding of eco-system, such as mangroves
  • Dispersion of municipal/industrial wastes, thermal/high concentrated saline water plume from power plants, suspended plume due to dredging/reclamations
  • Dispersion of oil spill

























Sediment Transport and Shoreline Change Analysis

Understanding the dynamics of nearshore waves and associated sediment transport is always a challenge for coastal engineers. In an attempt to analyse the sediment dynamics and subsequent shoreline changes due either to erosion or accretion, several sediment transport models have been developed for various regions of interest. Notably, few dedicated numerical models, to understand the shoreline changes along the tidally influenced south Gujarat coastlines and Pondicherry, are developed. Understanding of long term shore line oscillations help in decision-making process of selecting appropriate coastal erosion protection measured.









Theoretical Modeling of Coastal Process

Apart from numerical models, simple theoretical/1D models have been successfully utilised to assess the various coastal processes. To mention a few; (i) a simple theoretical model is developed to estimate the end-wall/flanking effect of seawall, based on the equilibrium plan beach forms (ii) 1D models for beach profiles changes due to storms & surges (iii) design of artificial beaches, based on headland-bay beach concept .







Salinity & Inundation Modelling

Understanding the hydrodynamics of the tidally influenced river and to assess the effect of the proposed tidal barrage on the salinity intrusion characteristics. A two-dimensional depth-averaged hydrodynamic model has been developed and the simulated results were analyzed to estimate the inundation area., using Delft3D modelling scheme. The open ocean boundary of the numerical model is forced with tidal constituents, and the upstream boundary of the river forced with discharge. The numerical model has been simulated for two different cases; (i) with and (ii) without the proposed tidal barrage.







Siltation Dynamics

Analyzing the siltation behaviour of Deendayal Port (Kandla Port) and thus suggest strategies to minimize the quantity of maintenance dredging of the channel. The primary objective of the project was to analyze by developed numerical simulations of morphodynamics about the siltation behaviour of the approach channel and to suggest suitable engineering solutions to reduce siltation, which may help in reducing the expenditure towards dredging. By developed numerical model, arrived options to reduce the siltation are attempted through the model studies that included (i) change in the alignment of the existing channel as well as by (ii)introducing porous barrier structures along the side of the channel to minimize siltation. Porous barriers of different alignment, length and orientation are analysed and a particular option observed to give maximum reduction in the siltation of navigational channel was taken into account.