River discharges 



The Saco River drains an area of approximately 44,030 km (17,000 square 

 miles), and the mean discharge at the river mouth is 91 nr'/s (3,200 cfs) 

 (USAED, New England 1967). Maximum flow measured by the U.S. Geo- 

 logical Survey was 535 m /s (18,900 cfs), and minimum flow was 22 m /s 

 (765 cfs) at Cornish, ME, during 1976 (USAED, New England 1978). The 

 91-m^/s (3,200-cfs) river discharge at the river mouth was selected for model 

 testing. It was used for one test plan and for historical tests during the con- 

 duct of the model investigation. 



Analysis of Model Data 



Relative merits of the various plans tested were evaluated by the following 

 criteria: 



a. Comparison of sediment tracer movement and subsequent deposits. 



b. Comparison of wave heights at selected locations in the model. 



c. Comparison of current patterns and magnitudes at the site. 



d. Visual observations and wave pattern photographs. 



In the time domain wave-height data analysis, the average height of the highest 

 one-third of the waves H^, recorded at each gage location, was computed. AU 

 wave heights were then adjusted by apphcation of Keulegan's equation^ to 

 compensate for excessive model wave height attenuation due to viscous bottom 

 friction. From this equation, reduction of model wave heights (relative to the 

 prototype) can be calculated as a function of water depth, width of wave front, 

 wave period, water viscosity, and distance of wave travel. Model data can 

 then be corrected and converted to their prototype equivalents. 



20 



G. H. Keulegan, 1950, "The Gradual Damping of a Progressive Oscillatory Wave with 

 Distance in a Prismatic Rectangular Channel," Unpublished data. National Bureau of Standards, 

 Washington, DC, prepared at request of Director, WES, Vicksburg, MS, by letter of 

 2 May 1950. 



Chapter 3 Test Conditions and Procedures 



