Numerical Wave Model Evalua-Tions Using Laboratory Data

Numerical wave models are used to estimate wave transformation over irregular bathymetry for a variety of coastal engineering problems. In using these tools, coastal engineers require knowledge of the performance, limits of application, and expected errors of such models. A 1:100 scale physical model of Ponce De Leon inlet, Florida was utilized to obtain a wave transformation data set for model evaluation using both monochromatic and spectral wave conditions covering a range of wave periods and directions. Wave height data were collected along two linear arrays consisting of twelve gauges each, spaced at a prototype interval of 100 meters. The numerical wave models RCPWAVE, REF/DIF 1, and STWAVE are commonly used by the US Army Corps of Engineers for coastal design problems and were selected for this evaluation on that basis. Each model is evaluated against the measured data and characteristics and trends of each model are discussed. STWAVE estimates of wave height are found to most closely represent the measured data, and RCPWAVE and REF/DIF are found to overestimate wave heights, especially at the nearshore array.