Maritime Hydraulics Experimental Unit
The Maritime Hydraulics Experimental Unit (UEHM) is integrated in the Ports and Maritime Structures Unit, of the Hydraulics and Environment Department of LNEC, and it operates in the Maritime Hydraulics testing hall, with an area of 6500Ç m2, where two-dimensional and three-dimensional scale model tests are
conducted using wave flumes and wave tanks, respectively.
Additional information can be found in this laboratory's flyer.
Activity areas
UEHM conducts experimental activities in the fields of port engineering and maritime infrastructures, namely, it supports the design, safety, and operation of maritime works (e.g., breakwaters, coastal defense structures, submarine outfalls, artificial reefs, wave energy devices) in the maritime, port, and coastal areas.
Testing
At UEHM, tests are conducted on physical scale models of agitation, currents, and resonance for port and coastal zones, stability and overtopping of maritime works, and evaluation of wave pressure on structures. Tests are also carried out to study the morphodynamics of coastal areas.
In addition to the above-mentioned tests, usually carried out within the scope of commissioned studies, the UEHM conducts important research tests for studies of:
- Wave propagation under extreme conditions, including climate change scenarios
- Wave-structure interaction
- Alternative coastal protection solutions (nature-based solutions)
- Aquaculture nets and cage solutions
- Evaluation of the performance of wave energy devices
- Ship behaviour in harbour approaches and when moored
- Calibration of numerical models
UEHM is also in charge of several programs for the systematic observation of maritime works (OSOM+).
Other services
Highlights
Throughout its seven decades of existence, LNEC/NPE has carried out studies in almost all Portuguese ports (Mainland and Autonomous Regions), in other national relevant structures (for example, at the protection of the Forte do Bugio) and also international structures, as the maritime protection of the Macau International Airport landfill (PRC), the Porto Amboim breakwater (Angola) and the requalification studies of Porto Inglês (Cabo Verde).