Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

A wave generator (wavemaker) and associated software are requested. The system consists of: a piston and paddle to generate the waves at the upstream end of the flume; wave gauges installed in the paddle and along the flume to measure wave height; and controlling hardware and software. Two research axes will be supported by the requested equipment: 1) investigation of wave impacts on retaining walls; and 2) retaining wall behaviour induced by dynamic loads. Research Axis 1 focusses on both physical and numerical experiments involving wave impacts on retaining walls (seawalls). The wavemaker will be used to perform physical experiments on optimized retaining wall geometries and produce essential validation data for the numerical solutions. Research Axis 2 focusses on the determination of dynamic lateral earth pressure coefficients. Dynamic loads will be applied by water waves on the instrumented retaining wall, which will allow for the determination of these coefficients.*For the research community, the results of the proposed research will provide innovative methods for optimizing retaining walls affected by waves, as well as, providing much needed dynamic lateral earth pressure coefficients. For the greater community, the results will be of great benefit for municipalities and governmental organizations who manage infrastructure on Canada's coastlines. For example, the Quebec Ministry of Transport has ongoing problems associated with coastal erosion of roads and has identified 34 km of roads that are in imminent danger of erosion. Due to climate change, the Ministry predicts that by the year 2100, over one hundred km of roads will be exposed due to costal erosion. The outcomes from the research activities enabled by the requested wavemaker, will directly lead to optimized retaining wall geometries, which will mitigate the erosive effects of wave action. Thus, the outcomes will have great monetary and public safety benefits for Canada and elsewhere. *