Analysis of the dynamic behaviour of the seabed for a correct planning of the maintenance dredging of the access channel to the Deep Water Port of Posorja.

Abstract

Prior to the construction of the access channel to the deep water port of Posorja, Ecuador, several studies of the sedimentary behavior in the area of implementation of this waterway were conducted, using numerical models such as FINEL2d, SWAN; and Mike 21. In addition, due to experiences in dredging in the navigation channel to the terminals located in the interior of the Gulf of Guayaquil, the Port Operator, based on recommendations of the Port Authority of Guayaquil, executes a test dredging with the purpose of obtaining real data of the sedimentary behavior of the zones to be intervened. Therefore, the present investigation proposes a comparative analysis between the results obtained in the numerical models used for projections of annual sedimentation rates and the results of the behavior of the sea bed that was generated during the test dredging; with the objective of having accurate data and being able to generate an efficient planning for the maintenance dredging of the access channel to the Deep Water Port of Posorja through the use of the methodology of information collection and results generated in the area by several companies in charge of the design and planning of the channel dredging and also of the processed data from the test dredging of the area.