1999 Volume 15 Pages 113-118
The numerical simulation system for flow and water quality in estuaries (DELFT3D) was improved to assess the environmental impact of 3-dimensional large marine structures. Two models were developed. One is called “floating model” which simulates a floating structure by applying the additional atmospheric pressure on the water surface. The other is called “block model” which adds an infinite friction on a numerical grid to simulate flow around 3D structures.
The environmental impact assessment with these models was conducted for an offshore airport in Tokyo Bay. The effects of floating and island types of airport on the water environment were compared. The environmental impact of a floating type was weaker than that of an island type. The basic impact of the airport is to change the residual current or the estuary circulation, and this affects the material circulation in a bay.
