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Numerical Modeling

Wave Propagation & Transformation, Tidal & Wave Hydrodynamics, and Water Quality & Sedimentation

Listed below are many of the projects we’ve completed for our clients over the years. We’ve chosen to focus and expand on several key examples which are highlighted in blue. Clicking on those projects allows you to view in-depth what services NCI provided as well as details on the project itself.

Yosemite Slough Wetlands Restoration

San Francisco, CA

The Yosemite Slough Wetlands Restoration is currently an on-going project. Yosemite Slough is part of the Candlestick Point State Park Recreational Area. The purpose of the project is to expand wetlands in the area, provide public access, and improve wildlife habitats. A previous phase of the project involved developing alternatives, estimating construction costs, and preparing a feasibility report. NCI is responsible for hydrodynamic analysis, surveying, preparing grading plans, designing public paths, preparing construction cost estimates, and preparing contract documents.


Design will consider, and dispose of as necessary, contaminated sediments in the area. The modeling study was part of the wetland restoration project and includes both the hydrodynamic simulation and sediment transport simulation for the Yosemite Canal and South Basin. The RMA2 model within the Surface-Water Modeling System (SMS) was used for the hydrodynamic simulation and the SED2D model was applied for the sediment transport simulation.



Yosemite Slough Wetlands Restoration Yosemite Slough Wetlands Restoration

Santa Margarita Estuary Hydrodynamic Analysis

San Diego County, CA

This project involved the hydrodynamic analysis using water levels, river flow data, and lagoon bathymetry to complete an estuary analysis for currents and water mixing within the Santa Margarita River Estuary using the Surface-Water Modeling System (SMS). This modeling simulation was conducted in support of a feasibility study for a constructed wastewater treatment wetland to assess the potential impacts of any discharge of treated water on the estuarine water quality. Fieldwork consisting of orthophotgraphy and topographic mapping, and bathymetric surveys was conducted to formulate the model’s base map for numerical simulations. The tidal-induced estuarine hydrodynamics including water level and currents were modeled with the consideration of the wetting and drying processes within the estuary boundary. The model calibration was performed using the water level data at the USGS gage located in the estuary. In addition, coastal processes within the shoreline segment of the estuary region were also assessed. The modeled results are to be used to determine potential accumulation of secondary contaminants from the wastewater discharge during times of no direct connection to the ocean.



Santa Margarita Estuary Hydrodynamic Analysis Santa Margarita Estuary Hydrodynamic Analysis

San Onofre Lagoon Estuary Enhancement Report

Camp Pendleton, CA

NCI prepared a report recommending an enhancement plan for the improvement of the San Onofre Lagoon, which is located on the U.S. Marine Corp’s Camp Pendleton base. Work consisted of site visits, data collection, engineering analysis and evaluation of the site’s hydrology/oceanography conditions to identify erosion characteristics, and proposing a range of feasible alternatives including structural and non-structural measures to enhance the San Onofre Lagoon. A detailed hydrodynamic analysis under small or moderate flood conditions was performed using the modules of RMA2 and SED2D of the Surface-Water Modeling System (SMS) that was developed by the Corps of Engineers to simulate the flow field within the lagoon boundary and to estimate the potential sediment scouring and re-deposition in the proposed excavation areas for various lagoon habitat improvement options.


The RMA2 modeled results indicate that flow pattern in San Onofre Lagoon will be altered under each proposed enhancement option, particularly during a flood event, as the direct consequence of the changed lagoon configuration. Based upon the SED2D modeled results, sediment deposition occurs throughout most of the lagoon region, particularly in the proposed expansion areas. It was estimated that 20 percent of the storage capacity would be refilled under a 5-year flood event. Therefore, the estimated re-excavation cycle is approximately from 5 to 10 years.


The effectiveness of each lagoon enhancement alternative in improving the lagoon marine habitat and preventing bank erosion was then assessed for the selection of an optimal alternative. In addition, construction costs for the proposed alternatives were also presented in the analysis, based upon each itemized estimate of mobilization/demobilization, construction material, required construction equipment and manpower.



San Onofre Lagoon Estuary Enhancement Report San Onofre Lagoon Estuary Enhancement Report
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