Model Test Results

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Results of the BeachSaver model test



The scale model was placed in the flume at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and tested for waveheight reduction at three different orientations.  Our results are displayed in the Table to the left.  We concluded that the orientation with the largest wave height reduction resulted from the steep slope residing parallel to the wave front.  However, the typical way that the BeachSaver is orientated in the water is parallel to the shore and with the steep side facing the beach.  This orientation allows the steep side to trap the sediment on the beach side of the structure.

Possible Errors in Results & Future Testing

Some areas of testing that could contain errors:
-The BeachSaver model was not as wide as the wave flume; therefore, diffraction occurred around the model.
-The clamps holding down the model had some effect on wave height as well.
-The measurements were taken with regular tape measures at different times (hard to read the exact numbers)

Some areas that future testing may be helpful:
-Hurricane testing
-Wind induced shear stress tests
-Build an actual concrete model
-Include sand and see the sediment movement

JONSWAP Method

The chart below displays the JONSWAP method for calculating wave height based off our model's data.  The top figure shows the steps used to transform the wind data recorded at the Marathon airport in the Florida Keys to the significant waveheight and period.  The bottom table shows the calculated values from the given data.
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JONSWAP method steps for calculating the significiant wave height
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JONSWAP method for averge wind speed, maximum wind speed, and the speed of Hurricane Georges (yellow)