Nesting of Two-Dimensional Models for Tidal Flow Computations

After two-dimensional computational models were successfully introduced into the hydraulic engineering profession to aid in the study of tides and long-wave propagation in fairly shallow waters, the question arose whether such models could also be used to compute detailed flow distributions near structures. If they could, then studies using these models would be far less expensive than those depending on costly physical models. This report describes the experiments that were performed to develop this new technology. The first application of this technology was to compute flow distributions during the construction of a storm-surge barrier in the Eastern Scheldt in the Netherlands. The work required simulation of the flow distributions during the construction of the flow distributions around the partially constructed barrier and represents an important milestone in one of the largest hydraulic engineering projects of modern times.