Ports/Marine/Rivers

Beta Design Consultants have provided support to clients in the sector of ports, marine structures and river-related civil/structural engineering projects. These projects include but are not limited to:

-              The upgrade and assessment as well as repair design and life extension of port facilities. This has included projects in the Port of Dover, Port of Southampton, Port Talbot and Macduff Harbour.

-              The upgrade and assessment as well as the design of new hydraulic structures for the control and management of rivers including flooding management. This includes multiple structures and wharfs on the River Thames, Braid Burn Flood Prevention Scheme and Pendle Water Flood Defence Scheme.

-              The concept design of hydraulic structures and a bridge crossing in the Cassamance River and its basin in Senegal at Sedhiou.

-              The design of various types of strengthening and repairs for harbours and pier structures including piles concrete encasement, ground improvement, retaining walls strengthening, grouting, anchoring, temporary propping design, anchoring or ground anchors.

Our involvement as civil, structural, geotechnical engineering consultants, with support by hydrologists and marine engineers has allowed us to provide advice in the planning, design, management, and maintenance of complex marine infrastructure, port, harbours and river wharfs and structures. Our expertise ensures that these facilities are safe, functional, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable. Our services typically include:

1. Feasibility Studies and Planning

-                We conduct site investigations, including hydrographic surveys, bathymetric surveys, geotechnical studies, and environmental assessments.

-                We assess the economic viability of a project by evaluating trade demand, cargo handling needs, and future expansion possibilities.

-                We develop master plans for ports, harbours, and related facilities, ensuring alignment with local and international regulations.

-                Our Consulting Civil, Structural, Architectural consultants provide concept level drawings and designs. Budget estimates are based on engineered bills of quantities that are extracted from the concept designs.

-                Our consultants carry out market engagement on behalf of clients to obtain key parameters needed to establish the construction budget and the construction programme. This gives developers and decision makers information needed to secure funds and issue an FID (final investment decision).

2. Design and Engineering

-                Our consulting engineers prepare the designs for marine structures and river structures such as breakwaters, jetties, berths, docks, piers, quay walls, navigation channels, culverts and other hydraulic structures.

-                Our consulting engineers design mooring and berthing systems, cargo-handling facilities, and storage areas.

-                Optimize designs to resist environmental forces like waves, tides, currents, and storms while minimizing environmental impact.

3. Project Management

-                Manage and support the client in managing a tender process and providing technical support and evaluation matrix for various suppliers.

-                Oversee the project lifecycle from concept to commissioning. This includes providing site supervision services.

-                Coordinate between multiple stakeholders, including port authorities, contractors, government agencies, and environmental bodies.

-                Manage schedules, budgets, and quality control to ensure project success.

-                Oversee construction activities to ensure compliance with design specifications and industry standards.

-                Conduct regular inspections and quality checks of materials and workmanship during the project.

4. Risk Assessments and Hazards Mitigation Studies

-                Conduct risk assessments and evaluate risks posed by natural hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, sea-level rise, and erosion.

-                Propose and design resilient structures to withstand extreme conditions and prevent damage to port infrastructure. Propose mitigation measures as part of the risk assessment.

 5. Innovation and Technology IntegratioN

 -               Incorporate smart technologies, such as digital twins and structural health monitoring to improve port efficiency, reduce operational costs and predict maintenance requirements.

-                Explore and propose renewable energy solutions, such as offshore wind farms, solar energy measures to reduce reliance on grid, wave/tidal energy systems.

6. Maintenance and Rehabilitation Consulting Services

-                Beta Design Consultants are specialists in the inspection, structural investigation, NDT testing and intrusive inspection of various types of structures, wharf walls and retaining walls.

-                Our consulting engineers develop repair strategies, advise on repair costs and support clients in the tendering and execution of the works.

-                We prepare maintenance strategies for marine structures and hydraulic structures to extend their service life.

-                We carry out structural assessments and provide life extension studies and rehabilitate aging infrastructure to meet modern standards and demands.

Our consulting civil, structural, geotechnical engineers have played and continue to play a vital role in designing and maintaining infrastructure that supports global trade, enhances coastal protection, and promotes sustainable marine development. Our ability to combine technical knowledge with assessment and life extension options provides clients with integrated solutions for marine and river structures.