Analysis of Dredged Material Placement Alternatives for Bottleneck Removal, Matagorda Ship Channel, Texas
Abstract
The entrance of the Matagorda Ship Channel, connects the Gulf of Mexico to Matagorda Bay, Texas. In the landcut, the channel narrows from 2,000 ft to 950 ft (referred to as the bottleneck), greatly focusing the flow and increasing the current velocity in this area and on the Matagorda Bay side causing difficulties in navigation. A successful solution would be removal of the bottleneck to decrease current magnitudes while not compromising operation and maintenance of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, nor stability of the adjacent natural inlet, Pass Cavallo. Building upon previous studies and in consultation with the sponsor, a jetty configuration alternative that included removing the bottleneck was evaluated with a combined wave, sediment, and hydrodynamic numerical model that was first validated to the existing condition. Alternatives for placing the material removed from the bottleneck on Sundown Island and/or adjacent beaches in varying combinations were considered with the model for their effects on current magnitudes and sedimentation patterns. The alternatives including shoreline placement were evaluated with a long term shoreline response model. The interaction between the entrance and Pass Cavallo, the natural inlet to Matagorda Bay located southwest of the Matagorda Ship Channel entrance, was also examined in a regional approach.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA571430
Entities
People
- Ashley E. Frey
- James Rosati Iii
- Lihwa Lin
- Mitchell E. Brown
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center