Effectiveness of Breakwater Design to Reduce Wave Height and Energy Using 2D Numerical Model in Ulee Lheue Port Area, Banda Aceh

Abstract

Ulee Lheue Port, a vital economic hub in Banda Aceh, faces operational challenges due to wave and current disturbances in its harbor area. To mitigate these adverse effects and ensure safe and efficient port operations, this study investigated the effectiveness of various breakwater configurations. To achieve this, we employed a 2D numerical model utilizing the Flow Model FM application and analyzed crucial data, including the water depth, tide, and wind patterns. We simulated three distinct scenarios for the coastal protection structures. In Scenario 1, a single breakwater structure was implemented, while Scenario 2 featured two structures positioned at the northern and southern entrances of the harbor. Scenario 3 closely resembled Scenario 2, but included only one structure on the northern side. The results demonstrated that breakwaters can significantly reduce wave heights and current speeds, with the two-breakwater configuration proving to be the most effective. In this scenario, the maximum current speed, wave height, and average wave energy were reduced by 28 %, 87%, and 56 %, respectively. These findings highlight the crucial role of breakwaters in enhancing the safety and efficiency of operations at the Ulee Lheue Port, providing a valuable tool for coastal infrastructure planning and management.