24 Aug 2023

Houston Ship Channel Numerical Model Update and Validation

Abstract: The Houston Ship Channel (HSC) is one of the busiest deep-draft navigation channels in the United States and must be able to accommodate increasing vessel sizes. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District (SWG), requested the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, update and revalidate a previously developed three-dimensional Adaptive Hydraulics (AdH) hydrodynamic and sediment model of the HSC, Galveston, and Trinity Bays. The model is necessary for analyzing potential impacts on salinity, sediment, and hydrodynamics due to alternatives designed to reduce shoaling in the HSC. SWG requested an updated validation of the previously developed AdH model of this area to calendar years 2010 and 2017, utilizing newly collected sediment data. Updated model inputs were supplied for riverine suspended sediment loads as well as for the ocean tidal boundary condition. The updated model shows good agreement to field data in most conditions but also indicates potential issues with freshwater flow inputs as well as the ocean salinity boundary condition.

10 Nov 2021

Houston Ship Channel Expansion Improvement Project – Navigation Channel Improvement Study: Ship Simulation Results

Abstract: In 2020, the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, provided technical oversight during a navigation study to assist the Galveston District evaluation of different channel widening alternatives for larger ships transiting the Houston Ship Channel (HSC), Texas. The widening proposals encompassed several areas of the HSC including the Bay Section, the Bayport Ship Channel, Barbours Cut Channel, and the Bayou Section. The study was performed at the San Jacinto College Maritime Technology and Training Center (SJCMTTC) Ship/Tug Simulator (STS) Facility in La Porte, TX. The SJCMTTC STS is a real-time simulator; therefore, events on the simulator happen at the same time rate as real life. A variety of environmental forces act upon the ship during the simulation transit. These include currents, wind, waves, bathymetry, and ship-to-ship interaction. Online simulations of the project were conducted at SJCMTTC over a 3-week period – May through June 2020. Several mariners including Houston Pilots and G&H tugboat Captains participated in the testing and validation exercises. ERDC oversight was performed remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results in the form of engineering observations, track plots, and pilot interviews were reviewed to develop final conclusions and recommendations regarding the final design.

18 Aug 2021

Houston Ship Channel Expansion Channel Improvement Project (ECIP) Numerical Modeling Report: BABUS Cell and Bird Island Analysis

Abstract: The Houston Ship Channel (HSC) is one of the busiest deep-draft navigation channels in the United States and must be able to accommodate increasing vessel sizes. The US Army Engineer District, Galveston (SWG), requested the Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, perform hydrodynamic and sediment modeling of proposed modifications in Galveston and Trinity Bays and along the HSC. The modeling results are necessary to provide data for hydrodynamic, salinity, and sediment transport analysis. SWG provided three project alternatives that include closing Rollover Pass, Bay Aquatic Beneficial Use System cells, Bird Islands, and HSC modifications. These alternatives and a Base (existing condition) will be simulated for present (2029) and future (2079) conditions. The results of these alternatives/conditions as compared to the Base are presented in this report. The model shows that the mean salinity varies by 2–3 ppt due to the HSC channel modifications and by approximately 5 ppt in the area of East Bay due to the closure of Rollover Pass. The tidal prism increases by 2.5% to 5% in the alternatives. The tidal amplitudes change by less than 0.01 m. The residual velocity vectors vary in and around areas where project modifications are made.

26 Apr 2021

Houston Ship Channel Expansion Channel Improvement Project (ECIP) Numerical Modeling Report: Increased Channel Width Analysis

Abstract: The Houston Ship Channel is one of the busiest deep-draft navigation channels in the United States and must be able to accommodate larger vessel dimensions over time. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Galveston (SWG) requested the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory perform hydrodynamic and sediment modeling of proposed modifications along the Houston Ship Channel. The modeling results are necessary to provide data for salinity and sediment transport analysis as well as ship simulation studies. SWG provided a project alternative that includes channel widening, deepening, and bend easing. After initial analysis, two additional channel widths in the bay portion of the Houston Ship Channel were requested for testing. The results of these additional channel widths are presented in this report. The model shows that the salinity does not vary significantly due to the channel modifications being considered for this project. Changes in salinity are 2 parts per thousand or less. The tidal prism increases by less than 2% when the project is included, and the tidal amplitudes increase by no more than 0.01 meter. The residual velocity vectors do vary in and around areas where project modifications are made.

1 Apr 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Towing Vessel Delays and Barge Lane Navigability along the Houston Ship Channel, Texas

 Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/35182Report Number: ERDC/CHL TR-20-1Title: Towing Vessel Delays and Barge Lane Navigability along the Houston Ship Channel, TexasBy Kenneth N. Mitchell, Patricia K. DiJoseph, Brandan M. Scully, and Marin M. KressApproved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited January 2020Abstract: This project used

16 Jan 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Towing Vessel Delays and Barge Lane Navigability along the Houston Ship Channel, Texas

 Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/35182Report Number: ERDC/CHL TR-20-1Title: Towing Vessel Delays and Barge Lane Navigability along the Houston Ship Channel, TexasBy Kenneth N. Mitchell, Patricia K. DiJoseph, Brandan M. Scully, and Marin M. KressApproved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited January 2020Abstract: This project used