Strengthening Coastal Models for Climate Adaptation
This project focuses on developing advanced models to simulate complex coastal processes unique to Singapore’s environment — marked by dense urbanisation, limited land, and low-lying coastal zones. The research seeks to quantify how near-shore dynamics evolve and interact under the influence of climate change, contributing to more accurate predictions and resilient coastal planning.
Principal Investigator (PI): Assistant Professor Li Yuzhu, Pearl
National University of Singapore, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Design and Engineering
Research Goals
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Strengthen modelling capabilities for hydrodynamic and morphological processes, including wind-waves, currents, ship wakes, and sediment transport.
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Develop reliable, physics-based predictions of climate-induced changes on local coastal dynamics.
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Calibrate large-scale, long-term predictions using insights from detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations.
Research Approach
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Develop advanced CFD models to simulate coupled near-shore processes.
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Integrate CFD models with phase-resolving, potential-flow-based models for efficiency and accuracy.
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Conduct experiments in the NUS Hydraulic Laboratory and TCOMS Large-Scale Ocean Basin to validate and refine numerical models.
Why This Matters
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Addresses how climate change may intensify coastal processes such as waves, currents, and erosion.
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Provides tools for designing and planning sustainable coastal infrastructure by accurately assessing interactions between coastal environments and man-made structures.
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Generates insights vital for implementing climate-resilient coastal protection measures to safeguard communities along Singapore’s shores.
Other CFI Projects
Explore other ongoing research initiatives under the Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute (CFI) that advance Singapore’s resilience to sea-level rise, extreme weather, and coastal flooding.
CFI's Core Research Domains
CFI Singapore’s core research domains span coastal science, digital monitoring and prediction, innovative engineering, and nature-based solutions. Together, these areas drive research and innovation to strengthen Singapore’s coastal protection and flood resilience.
Download CFI's project booklet for more information on each project
CFI Singapore Tranche 1 and 2
If you wish to reach out regarding a specific project, please email CFI Singapore at cfisg@nus.edu.sg