ExoReef Flume Testing at University of Southampton
➤ April 2023 ➤ Southampton, Hampshire ➤ University of Southampton
Problem
2022 was a big year for product development here at Exo Engineering, but we still lacked ‘concrete’ evidence that our ExoSpheres could deliver the same level of anti-scour properties as conventional methods.
Solution
Our partnership with the University of Southampton allowed us to undertake flume testing on our ExoSphere units to examine their effectiveness at preventing scour in differing conditions, with equivalent scaled-down rock armour used as a comparison.
Results
Both the ExoSpheres and mattress solutions performed well under both test conditions. Both solutions reduced scour in clear conditions by 0.868De, with ExoSpheres reducing live bed scour by 1.39De and the mattress solutions providing full scour protection in a live bed test. The turbulence of the water was found to be greatest in rock armour tests, while ExoSphere and mattress solutions caused lower turbulence at varying heights in the water column.
The majority of the swim-through tunnels within the ExoSpheres remained free of sediment, confirming that our products can help clients to prevent scouring of offshore wind infrastructure while contributing to long term shelter for marine species.
