On-Demand Course

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This course is sponsored by the Coasts, Oceans, Ports & Rivers Institute and part of the Port Engineering Certificate Program.

INSTRUCTORS: 
Martin L. Eskijian, P.E., D.PE (Ret.), M.ASCE
William M. Bruin, P.E., BC.PE, M.ASCE

Purpose and Background

This course builds on the Introduction to Port Engineering course provided in the first module. It gets into detail about wave theories, Morison's equation, mooring and berthing, design of fixed structures/topsides, submerged pipelines, rehabilitation of geriatric structures, and some basic marine geotechnical issues. Components of a "basis of design" for marine structures will be provided. Reference material will provide a toolbox for further study and prepare the student for entry into the field of port engineering.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify common types of port structures and relevant load paths
  • Identify the necessary basic design criteria for port/harbor structures, all applicable loads and recommended load combinations/factors
  • Explain the basics of wave mechanics and the associated loads transferred to port structures
  • Compute berthing and static mooring loads on a port structure
  • Describe the basics of submerged pipelines, loads, free spanning and vortex shedding
  • Introduce performance-based design for seismic analysis
  • Explain the basics of geotechnical considerations for design of port structures
  • Evaluate if an existing port structure needs to be rehabilitated
  • Describe the issues associated with container cranes

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Achievement of the learning outcomes by attendees will be assessed through (3) exams.

Who Should Attend?

  • Entry level engineers employed at port authorities, consulting firms, etc. who need to become familiar with the many facets of analysis/design of port infrastructure
  • Engineers seeking to move into port engineering from other civil/mechanical disciplines (e.g. buildings, pipelines, etc.)
  • Senior level management personnel who might have recently assumed responsibilities over port engineering without any background
  • Engineers seeking to gain expertise in a subject; possibly taking one or two classes, but not desiring to complete a certificate

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs

This course is worth 2.4 CEUs/24 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete (3) exams and receive a passing score of 70% or higher.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]

Course Outline

Week 1: Basic Port Structures and Wave Mechanics
Course & Week Introduction
Common Types of Waterfront Structures
Common Load Types for Port Structures
Wave Mechanics
Learning Exercise
Wave Generation
Wave Spectra
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 2: Load Combinations and Morison’s Equation
Week Introduction
Load Combinations (LCs)
Morison’s Equation
Other Forces on Port Structures
Learning Exercise
Drag and Lift Forces on a Vertical Pile
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 3: Construction Materials, Connections and Basic Structural Analysis
Material Selection and Analysis Methods for Port/Harbor Structures
Construction Material Selection
Structural Details and Selection of Various Structural Configurations
Structural Modeling of Piers and Wharves
Structural Seismic Analysis of SDOF Systems
Learning Exercise
Axial Pile Frictional Resistance
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 4: Sheet and Pile Driving, Tie Back Systems, and Backfill
Forces on Vertical Walls and Sheet Pile Systems
Wave Forces on Vertical Structures
Introduction to Sheet Piles
Types of Sheet Pile Failures
Earth Pressures, Friction and Adhesion
Coulomb Earth Pressure Theory
Learning Exercise
Simple Procedures to Calculate Depth of Embedment and Maximum Moment for Steel Sheet Pile Systems
Cantilever Steel Sheet Pile
Learning Exercise
Conclusion
Exam: Weeks 1-4

Week 5: Submerged Pipelines and Scour
Week Introduction
Why is Scour a Problem?
Scour on Various Structural Configurations
Sediment Transport
Learning Exercise
Dredging Practices in the US
Pipelines on the Seafloor
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 6: Introduction to Mooring Analyses
Week Introduction
Definition, Terminology and Applied Loads
Why a Mooring Analysis?
Load Cases, Allowable Vessel Movements
Current Velocities and Properties of Air/Water for Mooring Analyses
Static Wind Loads onto a Moored Vessel
Learning Exercise
Current Loads onto a Moored Vessel
Learning Exercise
Passing Vessel Effects and Loads
Conclusion

Week 7: Mooring Design and Berthing Forces
Week Introduction
Introduction to Mooring Design
Mooring System Components
Mooring System Components: Mooring Hooks
Mooring System Components: Steel Wire Rope
Learning Exercise
New Hooks on Existing Structures
Fender Energy Capacity
Learning Exercise
Kinetic Energy Method: Fender Energy Capacity
Berthing Velocity and Approach Angle
Conclusion

Week 8: Berthing System Design
Week Introduction
Fender System Components
Fender Units
Learning Exercise
Fender Unit Selection
Fender System Components
Fender Layout and Design
Learning Exercise
Fender System Design Considerations
Conclusion
Exam: Weeks 4-8

Week 9: Basic Geotechnical Considerations
Week Introduction
Geotechnical Design Considerations
Marine Site Investigations
Subsurface Explorations
Learning Exercise
Geophysical Methods
Soil Types and Characteristics
Marine Foundations
Site Improvement
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 10: Introduction to Seismic Design
Week Introduction
Introduction to Earthquake Hazards
Fault Rupture and Liquefaction
Lateral Spreading
Tsunami Considerations
Basic Design Principles
Performance-Based Seismic Design
Learning Exercise
Seismic Analysis
Soil-Structure Interaction
Kinematic Effects and Evaluation
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 11: Inspection and Condition Assessment of Marine Structures
Week Introduction
Inspection Basics
Types of Inspections
Condition Assessment Basics
Learning Exercise
Deterioration Modes – Concrete
Deterioration Modes – Steel
Deterioration Modes – Timber
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 12: Rehabilitation and Repair of Marine Structures
Week Introduction
Masonry and Retaining Structures
Sea Walls, Revetments and Pavement
Composite Structural Components
Learning Exercise
Appurtenances
Appurtenances Continued
Case Study: Marine Terminal Overview and Planning
Case Study: Fender System
Case Study: Seismic Improvement
Learning Exercise
Case Study: Construction and Lessons Learned
Conclusion
Exam: Weeks 9-12