Question

Importance of channel depth in harbor layout.

Answer 1

Harbour- it is naturally or partly dug out and used for anchoring and mooring of ships. various elements of harbour are the following-

1. approach channel
2. berthing basin
3. break water
4. turning basin
5. pier head
6. wharves
7. jetties

An approach channel is the main element of harbour layout, must provide navigational safety to the ships entering or departing the port. channel depth is important in layout as it affects the following facors in design of harbour

• it limits the size of vessels that can be handled in harbour.
• The safe minimum depth of the channel has to be known to limit the cost of dredging and environmental impact. thus channel depth affects economy in design.
• channel depth affects the future scenarios as well as actual operational conditions, such as related to acceptable risk and downtime. thus it must be carefully decided.
• type of material, other structures required in harbour etc are dependent on channel depth.