Use and Application of the Empirical Simulation Technique: User's Guide

Abstract : This report describes theory and implementation of the Empirical Simulation Technique (EST) procedure for simulating multiple life-cycle sequences of nondeterministic multiparameter systems such as storm events and their corresponding environmental impacts. The EST is based on a Bootstrap resampling-with-replacement interpolation, and subsequent smoothing technique in which random sampling of a finite length database is used to generate a larger database. Parameters describing this expanded database result in the generation of life-cycle simulations of storm-event activity with corresponding impacts. Because the approach is universally valid for effects because of any periodic event forcing, five detailed examples are provided to describe application of the EST for various storm-related impacts. These include vertical erosion of subaqueous disposal mounds, dune and beach recession, maximum storm-surge elevation, combined storm surge and runup on beaches, and maximum velocities associated with bridge pier scour. Each example provides detailed descriptions of the construction of input and response vector space and provides a summary of EST application and study results.