Coastal & Marine Structures |

Coastal & Marine Structures

Coastal and marine structures are a vital part of many of the projects we work on, and represent a significant investment, and risk, for our clients. Coastal structures, such as breakwaters, groynes and revetments, provide sheltered water for harbours and marinas, protect vital land-based infrastructure and provide erosion and flooding protection to communities. Marine structures, such as jetties, piers, wharves and quay walls, are an integral component of ports and marine terminals, as they facilitate the loading and unloading of vessels.

The design of functional, resilient and cost-effective coastal and marine structures is one of Baird’s key competencies. We have extensive international experience in the planning, permitting, modelling, design, construction, and repair/rehabilitation/upgrade of such structures, with this experience encompassing a full range of structural design concepts, including:

Rubblemound structures (quarried stone and concrete armour units);
Gravity-based structures (ssp and combi-walls, ssp cells, caissons);
Piled foundations (pile-supported piers and jetties, curtain wall breakwaters);
Floating structures (docks, breakwaters, FSRUs).

Our approach to the design of coastal and marine structures includes the application of sophisticated design tools, including numerical and physical models, along with extensive practical experience with construction in this complex and harsh environment. We tailor our solutions to meet project and site-specific conditions, with the design of any structure preceded by a thorough assessment of functional requirements, wave climate, water depths, subsurface conditions, coastal processes, the surrounding environment and constructability. This approach is taken for all our projects, whether it is the design of a revetment for a private property or a breakwater or pier for a major marine facility.

Physical Modelling

Baird routinely uses physical models to support the design of coastal and marine structures. While the upfront cost of physical models is significant, we have demonstrated, over and over, that this cost is more than offset by the capital cost savings realized through design refinement and optimization that is not possible with available empirical and numerical models. Physical models are the best available tool to simulate complex wave interactions with fixed and floating structures, and represent the accepted standard of care for the design of large, complex and/or unique structures.

Baird has the people, experience and access to world-class facilities which are required for physical modelling projects. Furthermore, our approach to physical modelling differs from that of most consultants, as we take a hands-on role in the planning, design, operation and interpretation of the model. This approach has proven to be very successful as it allows the design team to guide the testing program and efficiently integrate the model results into the overall design process.

Construction Phase Services

Baird helps our clients keep their projects on time and on budget. Building on four decades of practical experience with construction in the marine environment, Baird designs for constructibility, specifies for clarity, and establishes and maintains productive working relationships with the contractors who build our projects. We also assist our clients in the assessment and selection of the best procurement approach for their project. The result of this holistic approach is quality in the constructed project, fewer delays, better cost control and confidence that the project will perform as intended.