HR Wallingford: Construction of Marine Test Facility Nears End (UK)

Work to create one of the world’s largest maritime test facilities has entered its final stage following the completion of a £3 million development at HR Wallingford’s site in Oxfordshire, UK.

Keys to the new 1,600 m2 building were presented to HR Wallingford by Kier Construction on Thursday 17 April, and work has now begun on the fit-out of specialist facilities within the building to enhance the company’s scour, sediment and structure modelling capabilities.

HR Wallingford works with organisations around the world to solve problems involving water and its interaction with structures and the environment. The new building houses the Fast Flow Facility, a unique, dual channel flume which will deliver a world-leading capability in wave-current-sediment modelling.

The 75 m long, 4 m wide flume will be capable of generating waves up to 1 m high and currents of up to 5 m3/s. It will hold up to 1,000,000 litres of water, a volume equivalent to 12,500 average sized baths.

Dr Richard Whitehouse, technical director at HR Wallingford, and manager of the facility’s development said: “Understanding the complex ways waves, currents, and sediments interact is vital to the successful delivery of projects in the marine environment. The Fast Flow Facility will allow our scientists and engineers to examine these problems at a larger scale and in more detail than has previously been possible. We will be able to more effectively optimise designs for our clients and help them to minimise the water based risks for their projects.”

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Press Release, May 6, 2014