Los Angeles and Long Beach
Harbors Model Facility
The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center constructed a physical model
Description
of the Los Angeles-Long Beach
(LALB) Harbors complex during the
period from July 1972 to July 1973. It
is the largest wave action model ever
constructed in the United States. The
Ports of Los Angeles (POLA) and
Long Beach (POLB) have been
developing plans for harbor expan-
sion. These plans will be constructed
in phases, leading up to a master plan
development targeted for the year
2020. The harbors have a history of
surge due to long-period waves that
create excessive ship motion in certain
areas. Consequently, the ports and the
Corps plan to ensure optimization of
proposed expansions to minimize ship
Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors physical
motions in the new basins, as well as
model
preventing adverse effects in existing
harbors areas.
LALB has a 1:100 vertical scale and a 1:400 horizontal scale and reproduces the entire
Specifications
harbor area, the shoreline from Point Fermin to Huntington Beach and underwater
contours out to -300 ft with a total model area of 44,000 sq ft. The three-dimensional
wave basin is 220-ft long, 260-ft wide and 3-ft deep. Waves are generated by a 210-ft-
long, computer-controlled wave generator that can produce monochromatic or irregular
waves of varying heights and periods along a curved wave front.
The model has shown that it accurately predicts harbor oscillation patterns and has been
Benefits
applied to several projects. It will continue to be operated as a planning and design tool as
expansion of the harbors continue.
The physical model recently has been used to (a) collect data for the POLA's Pier 400
Application
expansion project, (b) study proposed improvements to the POLB's Pier J and Navy Basin
facilities, and (c) investigate effects of proposed main channel deepening and pier expan-
sions within the Los Angeles harbor. Recently, the model was used to assist the POLB in
determining the effects of proposed modifications to several marine terminals.
Additionally, extensive field data have been acquired and numerical models have been
developed to assist in studies of harbor oscillation, ship motion, harbor circulation, and
water quality.
Dr. Michael J. Briggs, CEERD-HN-H, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180-
Point of Contact
6199, e-mail: . Additional information can be
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
September 2004
Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (Facility)
www.erdc.usace.army.mil
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