The class explores structural engineering approaches for the design of structures such as bridges, sea walls, breakwaters, and piers in the coastal and riverine environment. A focus is placed on the loads and the water-structure interaction thus the following subjects are explored in depth: wave theory and random waves, hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces on structures, structural design for wave and wind, analysis and design of floating structures including hydrostatic stability.
The text used to teach this course is an unpublished pdf of notes put together by a former PhD student, Shengzhe Wang: Applied Ocean Mechanics for Structural Engineering and Climate Adaptation. It is a brilliant compilation that should be published formally one day!
Here is the preface of this resource, which explains the motivation for the course:
“Anthropogenic climate change has accelerated the melting of polar ice to unprecedented levels. If greenhouse emissions remain unchecked, global sea level rise could exceed 2 m by the 22nd century. As much of the world’s population and economic hubs are located near the ocean, this resulting loss of land (approaching the size of Indonesia by some estimates) may prove catastrophic to our modern civilization. Furthermore, existing coastal communities will become increasingly susceptible to more severe and frequent floods, extreme waves, and storm surges driven by natural phenomena (such as tropical cyclones) exacerbated by a warming planet. In adaptation to this uncertain future, the civil and structural engineering profession must look beyond their traditionally well-defined roles to foster transformative infrastructure solutions that reimagine the complex and evolving relationship between water and the built environment.
The current state of practice for structural engineers places little emphasis on how to address the forces associated with water and waves (wind-driven and tsunamis) interacting with large-scale structures. The analysis and design of structures not supported by geotechnical foundations (such as floating buildings) are also seldom featured within a traditional engineering education. To foster innovations that lead to more adaptable and resilient future cities, our profession must promote the active integration of coastal and oceanic hydrodynamics into the structural engineering curriculum. It is with this goal in mind that the present text was written.
I developed these notes while affiliated with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton University, where it was first taught during the Spring of 2022. The target audience comprise senior undergraduate and graduate students in civil, environmental, or mechanical engineering, and those within architecture programs with a focus on building technology. Students are expected to be familiar with the fundamentals of partial differential equations and structural mechanics. However, no prior knowledge of wave theory or topics pertaining to physical oceanography will be required.”