Delta Basin

The Delta Basin (50 x 50 m) is a multidirectional wave basin, equipped with 2 multidirectional wave generators, placed at a right angle to each other. The wave generators are capable of generating both regular (periodic) as irreguler (random) long-crested or short-crested waves according to both well-known frequency-directional distributions. Both wave generators are equipped with online Active Reflection Compensation, which effectively eliminates re-reflections of waves from the wave board. Also wave board control for random second-order waves is operational to compensate for spurious waves. The Dalrymple Method generates a wave train at a specified location, which effectively increases the model area which can be used.

Application areas

The influence of 3D wave attack on structures can be substantial. To study phenomena related to such conditions the Delta Basin is very suitable, because of its large dimensions and the 2 multidirectional wave generators. Both waves, current and a combination of these can be generated.
The Delta Basin is used for coastal and offshore related projects. In all of these studies, aspects of armour stability, hydraulic performance, wave impact loading and the determination of the relevant hydraulic conditions for design purposes were of primary interest.

Projects

Typical studies for the Delta Basin are related to:

• Breakwaters; 3D stability, breakwater roundhead
• Jetties; wave pressures and wave forces on piles and decks of Jetties
• Revetments
• Wave climate studies
• Wave agitation into harbours
• Moored ship studies
• Scour and mobile bed studies
• Dune erosion and coastal beach protection schemes

Technical specifications:

• Wave basin
  Horizontal dimensions: 50 x 50 m
  Maximum water depth: 1.0 m­
• Wave generators
  Segmented piston-type wave boards
  Number of segments: 180 (100+80)
  Length of wavemaker: 66.4 m (40 m + 26.4 m)
  Stroke: 1.2 m
  Equipped with 3D Active Reflection Compensation
  The 2 wave boards are placed at a right angle to each other.­
• Wave characteristics
  Wave directions: between -50 and 50 degrees per wave board
  Maximum regular wave height Hmax,r: 0.45 m
  Maximum focussed wave height Hmax,f: 0.6 m
  Maximum significant wave height Hm0: 0.25 m.­
• Features
  Lateral current