The challenges of building in the coastal zone are diverse ranging from theoretical hydrodynamics through material science for durable structures in marine environments and soil mechanics to practical aspects of dredging and marine construction. Coastal structures have been one of our specialities from the beginning. We have built up an in-house expertise to cover the full range of disciplines. We work in cooperation with Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) for advanced soil mechanics and contaminated soil sediments.

Fairway Planning

We assist clients in planning of fairways to the large harbours such as Oslo and Drammen. We design the approach channels to achieve appropriate alignment, width and depth. We administrate the necessary investigations concerning water current, slope stabilities, bottom flora and fauna, bottom sediment contamination and dredgeability of the soil. On this basis we plan the project for proper execution and handling of the dredge materials. Wherever appropriate, we design aquatic or land deposits. Where the encroachment could result in shear erosion we design the necessary revetments.

Breakwaters

Where ship terminals could be exposed to severe wave conditions we design breakwaters to keep the motions below acceptable limits. We have designed such protective structures mainly for LNG terminals. These have been concrete caissons or rubble mound structures.

Harbour facilities

We have designed wharves and quays for some of the largest container harbours in Norway, both sheet piled structures and open quays. Designs to maintain necessary durability of concrete structures in a corrosive marine environment is one of our specialties.

Residential projects in the Coastal Zone

The recent trend to reconstruct old harbour and industrial areas as residential projects at the sea front produces a variety of challenges uncommon to residential structures, e.g. sea front stability, erosion, material deterioration etc. This trend also includes establishment of a small marina for pleasure crafts in proximity to the residential areas. Through our involvement in several of these projects we have gained unique understanding of these issues and the approach to resolve them.