Application of laboratory tests in harbour design works

It is described why, and to what extent the practicing engineer makes use of model tests in his design of rubble mound breakwaters. Furthermore an example is shown from practice illustrating the application of models for investigation of wave penetration into harbours. Especially the way in which model tests can confirm and supplement theoretical investigations is described. It is concluded that model tests are and most probably will remain an indispensable tool for harbour designs