San Antonio Outer Port Physical Model fly-through

HR Wallingford is carrying out physical modelling studies for a major breakwater which forms part of the proposed port expansion of San Antonio, Chile. The Outer Port project, known as the Puerto de Gran Escala (PGE), represents a major expansion of the existing port infrastructure of San Antonio. At over 3.9 km long, this is the largest breakwater ever planned for Chile. The location of the breakwater makes the environmental conditions particularly challenging. They include a river mouth discharge and large waves, as well as a deep-water canyon in the sea bed adjacent to the port. This level of complexity makes undertaking physical modelling studies a critical part of the process. HR Wallingford is undertaking this work in partnership with The Instituto Nacional de Hidráulica (INH), with tests being conducted both in the U.K. and in Chile in INH’s laboratory in Peñaflor. The detailed engineering study has been awarded to Sener Ingeniería y Sistemas.