Flanders Hydraulics (FH) unveiled its new, larger and modern wave flume on Tuesday 12 November. This is a research installation designed to simulate complex wave and water movements in a controlled environment. The festive inauguration took place at the FH headquarters in Antwerp. The new wave flume was built with support from the Programme for Innovation Procurement (PIP) and the Flemish Maritime Services and Coastal Agency (MDK).
Filip Boelaert, secretary-general of the Department of Mobility and Public Works, said:
"I am very proud of this feat of innovation. Thanks to the new and larger wave flume, we can map the impact of wave and water movements on sea dykes, port dams, quay walls or other structures even more accurately. This opens doors for research into the impact of climate change and rising sea levels on our coast."
Mark Andries, administrator general of the VLAIO:
"With the Programme for Innovation Procurement, we contributed to the transparent, glass walls of the wave flume. These enable Flanders Hydraulics to apply advanced optical measurement methods that can map wave movements even better. Investing in research is investing in the future".
Nathalie Balcaen, administrator general of the Maritime Services and Coastal Agency (MDK):
‘"Coastal safety and protection against flooding and rising sea levels are an absolute priority for MDK. And in this respect, we believe very strongly in so-called natural solutions such as the dune-by-dike. Any additional research from Flanders Hydraulics is therefore something we very much look forward to".
Reliable instrument for research on wave motions
A wave flume is a long and narrow installation in a laboratory in which different types of waves are simulated to scale with a computer-controlled wave generator. In a wave flume, researchers test wave impact or overtopping on a scale model of a seawall, breakwater, quay wall or other structure. The stability of embankments and harbour dams and the erosion protection around the foundations of offshore wind turbines can also be tested in a wave flume.
Highly accurate
Flanders Hydraulics already has two small wave flumes with a length of 41 metres, width of 0.70 metres and depth of 0.86 metres. The new wave flume is at its headquarters in Antwerp and is larger: 84 metres long, 2 metres wide and 2.50 metres deep. It operates with a standard water depth of 1.50 metres.
In the new wave flume, waves and structures can be simulated or built on a larger scale (up to about 1:10 - 1:15), leading to more accurate results. Moreover, the construction of the new wave flume meets a level of accuracy higher than the usual standards in the construction industry.
The wave flume was built by Consmema from Hattemerbroek (Netherlands). They applied innovative technologies and customised solutions, including the installation of 42-metre-long glass sections specially designed for optical measurement methods such as Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV). This is a technique to visualise water movement and accurately measure velocities in water. Thanks to the glass sections, which connect seamlessly to the concrete walls of the wave flume, researchers get a better view of wave motion.
Built by HR Wallingford of Oxfordshire, UK, the wave generator can move 2 metres forwards and backwards and generate waves up to 80 centimetres high. The computer controller can create both regular and irregular waves and has an integrated wave absorption system to simultaneously neutralise reflected waves.
In addition, the wave flume also has a pumping system for automatic filling and emptying with water, a modern wave generator and an elevated platform with control cabin that gives researchers a perfect view of the wave flume.
Wave flume opens doors for climate change research
In view of climate change and within Kustvisie, the Flemish government's strategic policy plan to protect our coast from a rising sea level, the new wave flume can provide new insights. In Kustvisie, the Flemish government proposes to move the coastline an average of 100 metres seaward in the long to very long term. Dunes and dykes will then be raised and widened, and the beach will shift seaward to keep the hinterland dry when the sea level rises. With a wave flume, the impact of waves on ‘nature-based’ solutions such as a dune (whether or not in combination with a dike) can be further investigated.
In addition, Flanders Hydraulics participates as a research partner in the European project DuneFront. Within that project, Flanders Hydraulics will carry out a test programme in the new wave flume in 2026. The knowledge acquired can eventually be applied to adapt the sea defences against the effects of a rising sea level.
Programme for Innovation Procurement (PIP)
For the development of this wave flume, Flanders Hydraulics was able to count on the support of the Programme for Innovation Procurement of VLAIO (Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship). Through innovative public procurement, the PIP creates additional opportunities, together with companies and research centres, to renew the functioning of the Flemish public sector and provide innovative answers to numerous societal challenges.
Curious about how the wave flume works? Then be sure to watch this VRT report.
