Composite Modelling in Port Engineering

Abstract

Abstract An introduction and review of the composite modelling, defined as the combining of physical and numerical models, are presented in this paper. Although the composite modelling is still in its infancy in the hydraulic community, in MSUCE it has been applied in many coastal projects, which will be described in this paper. The strengths and weaknesses of numerical and physical models for each case studies, are described. The optimal methodologies and guidelines on how to decide if the composite modelling is beneficial and how to set up a composite modelling experiment, are given. Finally, it was concluded that despite the challenges and difficulties, there is a growing trend toward applying the composite modelling as an effective tool in the field of coastal engineering.