On-demand Webinar

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This webinar was co-sponsored by ASCE's  Coasts, Oceans, Ports and Rivers Institute (COPRI) and ASCE Continuing Education

Instructor:   Dennis W. Webb, P.E. BC.NE

Course Length: 1 Hour

Purpose and Background

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requires the inclusion of a ship or tow simulation study for channel improvement projects unless omission of the investigation is approved by USACE Headquarters. This webinar discusses the simulation requirement, waivers, application of simulator studies in both Feasibility and Pre-Construction Engineering and Design (PED), and simulation studies conducted by the USACE simulator or other facilities. It also addresses conducting the studies as work-in-kind.

Primary Discussion Topics

  • USACE requirements for ship simulation studies
  • Ship simulation waiver requests
  • USACE requirements for ship simulation studies conducted at non-USACE facilities
  • Performing simulator studies as work-in-kind
  • Pitfalls to avoid in preparing for a simulator study

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Discuss why ship/tow simulation is required
  • Recognize USACE oversight for simulator studies conducted at non-USACE facilities
  • Identify the various components of ship/tow simulation
  • Discover benefits of simulation screening during the Feasibility Phase of a project

Webinar Benefits

  • Understand how the USACE simulation requirements apply to navigation studies
  • Learn the basic components of a ship simulation study
  • Evaluate the pros and cons of conducted the simulations at a non-USACE simulator
  • Avoid the expense of having to redo simulator studies conducted without USACE involvement
  • Learn the importance of applying at least some simulation technology during Feasibility phase
  • Avoid some basic simulation pitfalls
  • Learn how to properly request a waiver for simulation

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

  • Port engineers
  • USACE engineers involved with harbor improvement projects
  • Port authority administrators
  • Economists involved with USACE harbor improvement projects

Webinar Outline

  • Present and discuss pertinent USACE Engineering regulations
  • Discuss the basic concept of real-time ship simulation
  • Discuss the use of real-time ship simulation as an engineering model
  • Discuss the various groups that should be included for simulation studies
  • Discuss the different modeling efforts that are a part of most simulator studies
  • Discuss simulation waivers
  • Discuss use of simulation during Feasibility as a screening tool for the Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP)
  • Discuss final simulation during PED
  • Discuss the use of non-USACE simulators and the required USACE oversight
  • Discuss Cooperative Research and Engineering Development Agreements (CREDA) and how the sponsor can fund the USACE simulator as Work-In-Kind
  • Discuss some basic pitfalls to avoid when conducting a simulator study

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

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