Resonator studies for Kincardine Harbour, Lake Huron

A 1:600 scale acoustic model of Kincardine Harbour originally built by the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) was delivered to the Applied Dynamics Laboratory at McMaster University late in 1976. After preliminary testing, a second acoustic model was built to a scale of 1:200 in order to narrow the range of acoustic wave frequencies required to simulate the observed lake wave climate. Scale selection and the necessary acoustic frequency band are discussed. The response at eight locations inside the model harbour was measured in this frequency band and the harbour wave amplification determined. A comparison between the acoustic model results and the hydraulic model results (previously carried out by NRCC) is presented.A public opinion survey of recent users of Kincardine Harbour was carried out during the winter of 1976–1977. The purpose of this survey was to identify potential problems in the harbour. The survey was focused on (a) harbour entrance and resonator, (b) offshore breakwater, (c) rubble-mound breakwater, and (d) inner harbour. The results indicated that the users were generally of the opinion that the resonator had decreased inner harbour oscillations, but that it presented a navigational hazard, particularly at night.On the basis of the survey, a utility function was proposed; it indicates an average condition of the harbour in relation to outside wave conditions. Tests on the acoustic model were then carried out. Results of those tests showed that model beach reflectivity was comparable to that of the prototype, but reflectivity of the model breakwater was relatively low. When resonators were installed wave amplification in the harbour was reduced.