How can you design hydraulic and coastal structures cost-effectively?

Hydraulic and coastal structures are essential for managing water resources, protecting shorelines, and enhancing navigation. However, designing them can be challenging and costly, especially in the face of climate change, environmental regulations, and social demands. How can you design hydraulic and coastal structures cost-effectively? Here are some tips to help you optimize your design process and outcomes.

1 Understand the context

Before you start designing, you need to understand the context of your project. This includes the site conditions, the hydrological and coastal processes, the stakeholder expectations, and the regulatory requirements. You can use various tools and methods to collect and analyze data, such as field surveys, remote sensing, numerical modeling, and GIS. By understanding the context, you can identify the key design parameters, the potential risks and opportunities, and the feasible alternatives.

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Buberwa Kemibaro, BSc, MSc, PE, CE

Independent Consultant-Consulting Engineer, Interested & Excited About Technology, Engineering & Infrastructure Development Globally But Especially in Africa Concerned About Resource Scarcity & Climate Change
(edited)
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Another very important resource is collection of historical data form people whom have lived and/or worked in the environment and/or surrounding areas. They may have a lot of historical and current information that may be relevant to any planning or design of coastal and or hydraulic structures. This will also help in the stakeholder component of the Environmental Social Impact Assessment e.g. PAP-Persons Affected by Project. Collection of relevant geological information from geological maps, desk studies and previous drilling done for various purposes in the vicinity e.g. for water wells can contribute to additional information and data for any Geotechnical/Site Investigation on the proposed site to get subsurface conditions.

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Hugh Hodge

CEP - NPO Senior Partner; BSc Civil Engineer (Pr Eng)
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Respect Admiralty Reserve lines everywhere, which is traditionally 50m above/beyond the average high water mark. This should be clearly marked on all existing and proposed Town Planning layouts.

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2 Apply design standards and guidelines

To ensure the quality and safety of your design, you need to apply the relevant design standards and guidelines. These are usually developed by professional associations, government agencies, or international organizations. They provide the best practices, criteria, and procedures for designing different types of hydraulic and coastal structures, such as dams, levees, bridges, breakwaters, and ports. By applying the design standards and guidelines, you can avoid common errors, comply with the regulations, and reduce the liability.

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3 Use software and tools

To facilitate and streamline your design process, you can use various software and tools that are available for hydraulic and coastal engineering. These include CAD, BIM, FEM, CFD, and optimization software. They can help you create, visualize, simulate, test, and optimize your design in a digital environment. They can also help you communicate and collaborate with other engineers, contractors, and clients. By using software and tools, you can save time, money, and resources, and improve the accuracy and efficiency of your design.

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4 Consider sustainability and resilience

To design hydraulic and coastal structures cost-effectively, you also need to consider the sustainability and resilience of your design. This means that your design should minimize the environmental impacts, enhance the social benefits, and ensure the economic viability of your project. It also means that your design should be able to withstand and adapt to the changing conditions, such as extreme events, sea level rise, and erosion. You can use various approaches and techniques to achieve sustainability and resilience, such as green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, adaptive management, and life cycle assessment.

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Buberwa Kemibaro, BSc, MSc, PE, CE

Independent Consultant-Consulting Engineer, Interested & Excited About Technology, Engineering & Infrastructure Development Globally But Especially in Africa Concerned About Resource Scarcity & Climate Change
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Use of locally available materials such as suitable durable natural stone material e,g coral limestone in warm tropical coastal areas for construction of breakwaters or groins versus concrete blocks may provide a cheaper and environmentally friendly solution with a low carbon footprint compared to cement used in concrete blocks. Use of local peope in labour based contracts for where possible, could provide employment for the local populace, reduce costs and also reduce the carbon foot print by use of less machinery. Some local inhabitants could also be employed as staff to monitor the site conditions over time and report any unexpected changes in conditions from the norm. Equipment such as GPSs, thermometers and other sensors cold be used.

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5 Seek feedback and review

Finally, you need to seek feedback and review from different sources to improve your design. This includes your peers, supervisors, clients, stakeholders, and regulators. You can use various methods and platforms to solicit and receive feedback and review, such as meetings, workshops, presentations, reports, and online platforms. By seeking feedback and review, you can validate your assumptions, identify your strengths and weaknesses, address the issues and concerns, and enhance your design quality and performance.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you design hydraulic and coastal structures cost-effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand the context

2 Apply design standards and guidelines

3 Use software and tools

4 Consider sustainability and resilience

5 Seek feedback and review

6 Here’s what else to consider

Civil Engineering Design

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How can you design hydraulic and coastal structures cost-effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand the context

2 Apply design standards and guidelines

3 Use software and tools

4 Consider sustainability and resilience

5 Seek feedback and review

6 Here’s what else to consider

Civil Engineering Design

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