Coastal engineering and management

Sedimentation studies

Sediment characteristics can be key to understanding and protecting the coastal and estuarine environment. Our laboratory-based sediment measurement techniques and ability to interpret the results effectively support smarter decision making. Innovations include our recently developed field sediment card, which provides a fast and effective way to identify key characteristics. In addition to field testing, we can accurately predict the movement of sediments (and other particles) in the marine environment using our 2D and 3D software TUFLOW FV. Calibrated with data collected on sediment particle size and underlying hydrodynamics, we can undertake complex assessments of bed mobility, organic enrichment, channel siltation and dispersion from marine placements sites and outfalls.

Coastal and maritime structures

From building jetties to prototyping new offshore communities, our expertise in designing and managing the construction of coastal structures can help you overcome the complex technical challenges of such projects.

We also apply this knowledge to provide related services such as cost estimation, contract specification, quarry investigation, construction staging as well as ongoing condition inspection and management of maintenance works:

• Heavy marine structures - design and specification
• Conceptual designs, layouts and cost estimates
• Detailed design of rock armoured breakwaters, groynes and seawalls
• Design of geotextile filters/sand filled containers
• Detailed design of jetty/wharf structures for small boat facilities
• Design, specification and supervision of physical modelling studies
• Drawings, specifications and tender documents
• Construction supervision of all on-site works
• Inspection and maintenance management for coastal and maritime structures

Dredging management

The build-up of sediment can present a major obstacle in coastal and estuary environments. The talent is to understand the cause as well as the problem, and to anticipate rather than react.

Our surveying, modelling and environmental expertise mean that we can advise on the best dredging technique to use for your project, the safe disposal of materials and the monitoring of water quality and marine habitats:

• Planning, design and project management of all capital and maintenance dredging works
• Contract management of dredging projects including cost estimates of work
• Dredge supervision
• Obtaining dredging licences and approvals
• Assessment of environmental impacts from dredging plant including plumes, overflow and disposal
• Reclamation and ground improvement works including reclamation modelling
• Expert witness and dispute resolution

Coastal hazard definition studies

Coastal communities and infrastructure have always faced the risk of erosion and storm tide flooding, but climate change has raised the stakes, making it more important than ever before to be prepared for, and protect assets from damage. Our expert engineers and scientists identify, gather and review critical information to support smarter planning and investment decision making in relation to coastal hazards, as well as use our state of the art modelling solutions to assess the extent and timing of impacts. Once the hazard risk is better defined, our engineers and planners help organisations to prepare appropriate responses to coastal hazards and climate change across planning, engineering, financial and operational responses.

Key services offered in this context include:

• Shoreline erosion and tidal inundation mapping studies including future condition such as sea level rise and increased storminess
• Coastal management options studies including the review, cost comparison and benchmarking of different coastal management solutions
• Operational coastal management solutions such hard engineering works, soft engineering works such as beach nourishment and developing passive dewatering systems for reducing beach erosion

Estuary and coastal zone management plans

We help you support a healthy coastal and estuary environment, while ensuring that human activities on the coast such as fishing, tourism and recreation are protected for future generations. Our engineers, scientists and planners work closely with government agencies and industry to fully understand all the factors impacting the aquatic ecosystem and ensure that they are managed to the highest standard.

We use advanced data and innovative modelling techniques to support smarter decision making across:

• Coastal, estuary and wetland resource planning
• Strategic policy formulation, analysis and advice
• Environmental risk assessment facilitation and planning
• Environmental auditing, evaluation and due diligence studies