Introduction:

Structural and geotechnical engineering form the load bearing backbone of port infrastructure, defining how marine and landside structures interact with soil, water, and operational forces. These disciplines determine stability, durability, and service life under complex environmental and operational conditions. This training program presents the analytical frameworks, design logics, and coordination structures governing structural and geotechnical systems in ports. It frames how subsurface conditions, material behavior, and structural configurations are integrated within institutional design processes.

Program Objectives:

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

Explore the geotechnical conditions relevant to port infrastructure systems.
Classify foundation systems used in marine and waterfront structures.
Examine structural load paths and stability mechanisms in port facilities.
Analyze the soil-structure interaction within port engineering contexts.
Evaluate design coordination between geotechnical findings and structural solutions.

Target Audience:

Marine and structural engineers.
Geotechnical engineers and consultants.
Port authority technical departments.
Infrastructure design and review teams.
Engineering professionals in maritime construction projects.

Program Outline:

Unit 1:

Role of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering in Ports:

• Functional position of geotechnical and structural systems in port projects.

• Interaction between soil conditions and structural performance.

• Risk sensitivity of ports to ground behavior and loading.

• Engineering responsibilities across project phases.

• Coordination principles between investigation, design, and construction disciplines.

Unit 2:

Marine Geotechnical Investigation Frameworks:

• Site investigation objectives for port developments.

• Offshore and onshore soil exploration methods.

• Oversight on sampling, in-situ testing, and laboratory characterization.

• How to interpret of geotechnical data for design use.

• Reliability and uncertainty considerations in subsurface data.

Unit 3:

Soil Properties and Engineering Behavior:

• Classification of marine and coastal soils.

• Strength, compressibility, and permeability parameters.

• Consolidation and settlement mechanisms.

• Shear behavior under static and cyclic loading.

• Implications of soil behavior on port structures.

Unit 4:

Foundation Systems for Port Structures:

• Shallow versus deep foundation concepts.

• Pile foundations in marine environments.

• Caissons, sheet piles, and diaphragm walls.

• Load transfer mechanisms to subsoil layers.

• Selection criteria based on site and structural demands.

Unit 5:

Soil-Structure Interaction Principles:

• Interaction mechanisms between foundations and surrounding soil.

• Lateral and vertical load response behavior.

• Effects of dredging and scour on foundation stability.

• Modeling assumptions in interaction analysis.

• The process of designing safety margins and performance limits.

Unit 6:

Structural Systems in Port Engineering:

• Structural typologies for quay walls and jetties.

• Reinforced concrete, steel, and composite systems.

• Load combinations from vessels, cargo, and equipment.

• Structural redundancy and robustness considerations.

• Durability challenges in marine environments.

Unit 7:

Stability and Failure Modes:

• Global and local stability concepts.

• Bearing capacity and sliding failures.

• Overturning and structural collapse mechanisms.

• Progressive failure risks in port facilities.

• Preventive design approaches and control measures.

Unit 8:

Seismic and Dynamic Loading Considerations:

• Seismic risk context for port infrastructure.

• Oversight on soil liquefaction and cyclic degradation techniques.

• Dynamic response of waterfront structures.

• Design philosophies for seismic resilience.

• Importance of integrating seismic criteria into port standards.

Unit 9:

Design Standards and Safety Factors:

• International geotechnical and structural design codes.

• Partial safety factor systems and reliability concepts.

• Allowable versus limit state design approaches.

• Documentation and verification requirements.

• Engineering judgment within regulated frameworks.

Unit 10:

Integration of Geotechnical and Structural Design:

• Workflow alignment between soil studies and structural modeling.

• Design iteration and feedback mechanisms.

• How to manage design changes due to ground conditions.

• Interface coordination principles across engineering teams.

• Institutional review and approval processes.

Structural and Geotechnical Engineering for Port Facilities