Experimental Studies for the Port of Bilbao Extension

Iribarren, Jos? R.; Mart?n, Mar?a J.; ,

Experimental Studies for the Port of Bilbao Extension

by Jos? R. Iribarren, CEPYC-CEDEX, Madrid, Spain,
Mar?a J. Mart?n, CEPYC-CEDEX, Madrid, Spain,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Civil Engineering in the Oceans V

Abstract:

The Port of Bilbao is the leading port in Spain concerning total traffic volume. It also holds a relevant position in the international context. The Managing Board recently approved an ambitious extension project, called `Abra Exterior'. The main objective is to compensate the present deficit in surface. The new facilities will also allow for a more efficient use of the available means and will probably attract new traffic. The development of the `Abra Exterior' will create 8 km of dockline, 21 to 25 m deep, and 3.5 million m² of surface. The first stage, already under construction, comprises 5 km of breakwaters, 1 km of dockline and 1 million m² of surface. The cost goes up to 40.000 million pesetas (approx. 400 million US$). The construction is scheduled for 1997. CEPYC-CEDEX (Harbour and Coastal Research Center), belonging to the Spanish Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, was asked to perform thorough experimental studies concerning the design conditions for the new breakwater, wave penetration tests, using both numerical and physical models, and physical model tests for moored ships behaviour and breakwater stability. This paper presents part of the research developed for the definition of the wave climate and the layout of the breakwaters.

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