Use of culverts for improving exchange of seawater in ports

Abstract

The quality of seawater in enclosed water basins can be negatively affected by inadequate exchange of seawater. Various culverts (pipe culverts, box culverts, and duct culverts) are presented in the paper as an efficient solution for preventing stagnation of seawater. In addition to positive influence of culvert-induced higher circulation of seawater in the basin, the wave energy penetrating during stormy weather into the protected area via culverts may be a limiting factor. Basic culvert shaping recommendations, relying on the study of previous research and structural solutions for culverts used on Croatian coast, are also presented in the paper.