Design tool for an offshore harbour

Abstract

In this report a design tool has been developed for offshore harbours. The main objective of the design tool is to recommend an optimum value for the offshore distance of the berth, the breakwater length and the breakwater type. This recommendation has to be made based on CAPEX and OPEX estimates for the various structures the offshore harbour consists of, and based on downtime caused by wave action. After the determination of the functionality and usability requirements the design tool has to fulfill, an overview of all relevant design parameters and processes is presented. These parameters and processes are incorporated in the design tool via four modules: a cost module, a breakwater design module, a wave calculation module and a waiting cost module. Three verifications have been performed on the design tool, as well as a sensitivity analysis in order to obtain insight in the performance of the tool and the sensitivity of its model formulations to uncertainties in the input. Based on the results of these analyses, conclusions can be drawn with regard to the reliability and sensitivity of the design tool.