with the complexity of the model geometry (on the order of $12 to $15 

 per square foot in 1976); however, this does not normally include the 

 cost of major appurtenances such as tide and wave generators, pumps, 

 shelter, and instrumentation. 



Construction time also varies with both the size and complexity of 

 the model. About 1 to 3 months are normally required, except in movable- 

 bed models where the requirement exists for remolding the model bed after 

 each test or series of tests. A short period of construction time is 

 then required intermittently as the testing program is pursued; however, 

 a substantial period of time is required for model verification after 

 completion of construction. This is, in essence, a trial-and-error pro- 

 cedure and the amount of time necessary to verify the inlet model again 

 can vary with the size and complexity. Depending on the personnel avail- 

 able, verification time can extend from 1 to 4 months. 



The actual testing program of a single inlet can extend from a few 

 weeks to as long as a year or more. Several different plans will probably 

 be tested and occasionally it is necessary to conduct hydraulic tests of 

 currents and water surface elevation changes in a fixed-bed model, and 

 then convert a section of the area to a movable-bed variety to investi- 

 gate the littoral effects produced by the various alternative plans. 

 These are considered high-cost model studies since the entire construc- 

 tion, verification, and testing can extend over 2 or more years with a 

 total cost exceeding $500,000 (in 1976 dollars). 



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