EOF analysis of complex response of Venice mobile gates

The complex dynamics of the Venice tidal barrier subjected to broadbanded wave spectra are investigated by applying empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis to experimental data sets. Space and frequency patterns of the natural modes of the barrier are reconstructed and satisfactorily compared with the recent theory of Li and Mei. The results indicate that when broadbanded wave spectra are considered, natural modes with the longest spatial wavelengths seem more likely to be excited than those with shorter wavelengths. CE Database subject headings: Italy; Barriers; Tides; Tidal effects; Gates.