Two-Dimensional Numerical Model of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway near New Orleans

Abstract

Two-dimensional tidal flows within the Lake Pontchartrain–Lake Borgne area (Louisiana) are simulated to assess the effects of the surge protection structure on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) on navigation conditions. The region of interest is modeled with a shallow-water, depth-averaged, finite-element model. The water levels and discharge are analyzed at a location in the GIWW to ascertain model behavior. It is shown that the presence of the structure produces infrequent increases in velocities in the GIWW, which can be mitigated by a proposed structure near Lake Pontchartrain.