Reproducing the sea conditions of an area to verify its effects in docks, ports or coasts is one of the main functions of the multidirectional surge tank, a device entirely designed and constructed by researchers of the Universidad de Granada with unique features in Spain. Installed in the basement of the Higher Technical School of Civil Engineering, this high-technology instruments, which was set up last June, is already developing its first work. They are carrying out the previous tests for the extension of the Port of Gijón, a project that includes the study of more than 3,000 metres of the dock.
According to the coordinator of the tank, Rafael Molina, they are studying at present the first section of 1,200 metres to study the stability of the docks faced with Cantabrian storms and the size they must have to avoid structural failures due to the strong surge that affects the harbour installations. The tests, which are being carried out in real time, have already allowed four modifications in relation to the original project, which makes constructors´ work easier and favours the creation of docks resistant to the sea conditions of the area.
In order to achieve a realistic simulation of the sea level, surge direction and possible storms in the test model, the researchers of the Ports and Coasts Group carried out a study in situ of the maritime climate of the area, which has allowed them to make a scale recreation in the laboratory.
Studies in Playa Granada
But the extension of the Port of Gijón will not only be the only project developed in the multidirectional surge tank. According to Molina, the possibility of carrying out a shipping dock in Playa Granada to protect its channel with a dock is still under consideration. Apart from the protective function against surge, this dock could favour the stability of the Cañaílla beach, which is currently moving backward for the carrying out of the dam of Rules, responsible for cutting off the natural contribution of sediments to the mouth of river Guadalfeo.
Although these studies could develop in instruments installed in other Spanish research centres, Granada presents particularities which make it unique like the fact that the whole system has been designed by the scientists who work on it, which allows to adapt it to any circumstance, the interpretation of the data by a team of experts and the carrying out of reports with the latest digital technology and with a new format in the sector.
But this will not be the only tank in Granada, as at the end of next year they are considering the construction of a new one in the office of the Andalusian Centre of Environment Studies in Motril that will be four times larger than it is. The creation of this new instruments, unique in Spain and Europe, “will not only involve an economic boost to the area, but will also turn it into an international reference as regards hydraulic research”, says coordinator María Claver, one of the researchers in charge of the design of the tank with Antonio Mollino.
Reference
Rafael Molina. Coordinator of the multidirectional surge tank
Ports and Coasts Group
Phone number: 958 240 425. Mobile 657 132 671
E-mail. rafaelms@ugr.es / Web http://www.puertosycostas.com
