Hudson River Wake Study
Photo by Chris Bowser
Stevens Institute of Technology, in conjunction with the Hudson River Sustainable Shorelines Project, carried out a study to determine the wake heights produced from recreational and commercial vessels as they travel along the Hudson River. Understanding the physical forces is critical to managing the shoreline and designing effective erosion control features where required. In some areas of the Hudson, vessel wakes can be several times the size of the typical wind waves and therefore represent a critical design parameter. The information contained in this report represents a preliminary analysis of the wake energy and will be used to help inform shoreline stakeholders and decision-makers of the required design thresholds for varying methods of ecologically enhanced shoreline stabilization.
Thirty-two measurement locations were selected along the aforementioned stretch of the Hudson River. A visual analysis technique employing graduated staffs (below) and a video-based measurement approach was selected, for its simplicity, accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
Beach wake measuring apparatus. Photo by Stevens Institute of Technology.
Bulkhead wake measuring apparatus. Photo by Stevens Institute of Technology.
