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Waterfront Structural Design

30 June – 04 July 2025Abu Dhabi11 – 15 Aug. 2025Dubai08 – 12 Dec. 2025Abu Dhabi


Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Fundamentals of Waterfront Structural Design

  • Understand the principles and challenges of designing waterfront structures.
  • Identify the different types of waterfront structures, including piers, bulkheads, seawalls, jetties, and breakwaters.
  • Recognize key design codes, standards, and regulations governing waterfront construction.

2. Site Conditions and Environmental Considerations

  • Evaluate environmental and geotechnical factors affecting waterfront design, such as tides, waves, storm surges, and soil conditions.
  • Assess the impact of climate change and sea-level rise on waterfront structures.
  • Apply sustainability and resilience strategies in waterfront engineering.

3. Structural Materials and Construction Techniques

  • Compare materials used in waterfront structures, including concrete, steel, wood, and composites.
  • Analyze the durability and maintenance considerations of different materials in marine environments.
  • Explore innovative construction techniques for waterfront structures.

4. Loading Conditions and Structural Analysis

  • Assess various loading conditions such as hydrostatic, hydrodynamic, seismic, and impact loads.
  • Perform structural analysis to determine stability, strength, and serviceability of waterfront structures.
  • Apply modern engineering software for waterfront structural modeling and analysis.

5. Design of Key Waterfront Structures

  • Design fundamental waterfront elements, including bulkheads, sheet pile walls, and quay walls.
  • Develop design approaches for wave attenuation structures like breakwaters and revetments.
  • Understand foundation design for waterfront structures, including deep foundations and pile-supported systems.

6. Risk Mitigation and Failure Prevention

  • Identify common failure mechanisms of waterfront structures and strategies to mitigate them.
  • Conduct risk assessments and integrate disaster-resistant design features.
  • Implement protective measures against corrosion, scour, and structural deterioration.

7. Case Studies and Real-World Applications

  • Analyze case studies of successful and failed waterfront structural projects.
  • Apply learned principles to design challenges through practical exercises.
  • Discuss emerging trends and innovations in waterfront infrastructure.

8. Project Planning and Regulatory Compliance

  • Understand permitting and regulatory compliance for waterfront development.
  • Develop project management skills for successful design and construction execution.
  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including geotechnical engineers, coastal engineers, and environmental specialists.