Marine Construction: Innovations In Marine Floating Structure

Abstract

Coastal and marine area is “home” to a frequently growing number of human actions and facilities, the most important of which is related to coastal and marine tourism and trade through water medium. It is important to understand that the marine structural to eco-friendly to marine environment along with its structural aspects. Here we show the types of floating structure, understand their trends and challenges associated with the marine construction and identify innovative materials and techniques used for the construction of floating marine structure in the coastal space. Through secondary case studies of artificial island around the world we can understanding the construction and post construction, material used in the design. Keywords: floating structures, innovative techniques, marine architecture.

Introduction

As life has evolved in water, mankind elementarily and inseparably connected to water. Water is a very important factor for human life and growth. The human body itself consists of 75% of water. Coastal and marine area is “home” to a constantly growing number of human action and facilities, the most important of which is related to coastal and marine tourism and trade through water medium. Structures such as dwellings, cities, and aquariums, recreational facilities etc. has been established under and over water which offers a unique environment for living and a whole new experience for people to enliven. Marine architecture is the design of architecture and engineering structures which supports coastal design, near-shores and off-shores or deep-water planning for many project. Types of marine structure: On water (floating structure and structure with habitable space above the space) and in water (semi- submerged and fully – submerged).

On water

Floating architecture: It consists of various structures such as floating bridges, floating houses, floating roads which are kept afloat on the surface of water using various techniques and structural mechanisms. For e. g. : -Four Seasons hotel, Australia

Structures with habitable spaces above water: It consists of structures in which the main habitable area is on the water surface but the supporting foundations are submerged in water. Projects of various scales have been covered under this type. For e. g. : - City of Venice; Palm Jumeriah, Dubai etc. In water1) Semi-submerged: It consists of structures in which major habitable space is under water and the rest is above water which caters to the various services like lighting, ventilation, etc. There are special mechanisms and techniques involved to keep the structures submerged. For e. g. : - Floating seashore villa, Dubai; Trilobis 652) Fully submerged: It consists of structures that are fully submerged in water. It includes structures such as tunnels, recreational spaces, aquariums, etc. It uses special mechanisms for ventilation, lighting and other services. For e. g. : - Hotel Hyropolis in Dubai.

Evolution of Architecture in Water

The concept of architecture in water is not new. It has evolved over time. The new techniques have made it a better place for living. Humans always search for new frontiers of living and they search and develop those. Evolution has taken place from time to time and it is still evolving. Some examples showing the evolution of architecture in water are Crannogs and Mexico.

Aim of the Research

To understand construction of marine floating structure

Research Statement

To innovate in the construction of marine floating structures, while considering the environmental aspects.

Objective of the Research

• To study the material and techniques suitable for the floating marine construction in coastal area.
• To study Innovative technology of construction in marine architecture. · Feasibility of the marine floating structure in Indian context.

Scope of the Research

• Marine floating structure – Ports, dock and artificial island.
• Impact on the marine environment.
• Innovation in the technology of construction and material selection.

Limitation of the Structure

• Structural and technical details of the construction methods.
• Chemical composition and properties of the materials.

Literature Review

1. Construction of marine and off shores structures, Ben C. Renwick, Jr (2007)
2. Physical environment aspects of marine and off shores construction. Ecological and social aspects of marine construction. Material and fabrication of marine construction. Marine and off shores construction equipment. Repairs to marine structures.
3. Marine structures and materials, Yucheng Li and Linpa LiDefinition of marine structure: Marine structures are engineering facilities constructed and installed in coastal zones or open oceans for the exploitation of various marine resources and the maintenance of its continuous operations. According to its function and characteristic of marine structure, it’s grouped into coastal, off shores and deep ocean structure. A good design of marine structures should consider the following requirements: utilization, safety, environmental protection, construction and economy.
4. Green marine construction, Sylvain Pioch, kirk kilfoyle, Harold Levrel and Richard E. Spieler (10/1/2011). Coastal construction which includes the structural design which should eco-friendly design and also return ecosystem service impacted by marine construction.
5. Underwater concrete technologies in marine construction, DR. Mohammad Arif Kamal. Underwater Concrete Placement Method: There are mainly five methods for placing concrete under water which are listed below: - Tremie method, Pump method, Hydro- valve method, Toggle bags, Bags work. The paper explains the entire method of tremie underwater concrete placement method.
6. The Study on Construction of Artificial Island Using Land Reclamation Techniques, Ishwar Dahal and Dr. Om Prakash (2013)The three major procedures involved in the construction for artificial island using land reclamation techniques: remediation of seabed, construction of sea defenses and fill.
7. Constructing Artificial Islands, Ken Yeo February, 2013Ancient History of Artificial Islands: Crannogs, Nan Madol Stone Islands West Pacific, Tenochtitlan Mexico and Uros Island Peru. Examples of Famous International Experience: Netherlands – Part of Zuiderzee Works Eastern and Southern Flevopolder (1969), Japan – Kansai Airport, Osaka Bay (1994), Dubai – The Palms (2001). Innovative Construction Methods: Large Diameter Steel Cellular Cofferdam, Geo-mattress Revetment.
8. Study of artificial island, J. P. Lepetit, S. Moreau 1976. The problems faced due to artificial island: influence of the island on the local wave climate, or swell, and consequent shoreline changes, influence of the island on tidal currents and resulting evolution of the sandy sea bed and dispersion of industrial effluents.
9. Land reclamation and artificial islands: Walking the tightrope between development and conservation (2017)Explores the possibility of incorporating ecological engineering into development projects, to create more environmentally-friendly urban environments and to promote educational, amenity and economic activities. With coastal development taking place on a global scale, opportunities to balance development needs with conservation strategies abound and should be integrated into present and subsequent projects to protect these coastal ecosystems for future generations.
10. Impacts of Coastal Reclamation to the Quality of Life: Tanjung Tokong community, Penang (2014). The impacts of coastal reclamation to the quality of life of Tanjung Tokong’s community. Flash flood and traffic congestion negatively correlated with quality of life while health positively correlated with quality of life. It recommended that the coastal reclamation process should consider any temporary and permanent negative impact to the community.

Problems faced

1. Indoor climate There is no problem in improving the heat insulation during the cold season even during strong winter climate, e. g. by an increased intensity of the wind. But during the summer season, innovative solutions are essential, in order to assure a moderate indoor climate.
2. Thermographic examinationsWater causes reflection of sun rays and heats up the surroundings. Uncomforting glare and heat are generated. The figures below show the water temperature due to sunrays and house temperature
3. Algae deposition The microbiological growth on surfaces to improve the thermal insulation of covering parts of the buildings; the external surfaces tend to have a natural growth of algae.
4. Disturbances in aquatic life If proper planning of the structures on water is not done then, it harms and disturbs the aquatic life to a great extent.

Research Design

Analyzing the secondary case study is my data collection tool for qualitative research. Selecting various case study around the world based on construction of marine architecture. Analysis the different materials and techniques used in construction of the structure. Understand the difficulty faced during the construction. Effect of the construction on the marine environments and the measures taken to protect the marine environment. Compare the different secondary case study and the literature study and overall understand the sustainable and innovative pratices used in the construction of marine structure.

Environmental Aspects

• Constant alterations to the environment like the shifting of sand, movement of boulders, uses of vibrators are deeply impacting marine life.
• Erosion of the coastal soil, irregular sedimentation, changes in the waves pattern are few other observations that are made post the construction of such artificial islands.
• Preservation of coastal ecosystems and aquatic reserves to achieve sustainable development.
• Protection of biological and ecological resources of marine environment.

Limitation of Construction of Marine Structure in Indian Context

India has an abundance of natural rocks along a large part of its coastlinehowever, in the present scenario, due to increased awareness about the environment and the eco-system, there are restrictions in quarrying of large stones. Transportation and quarrying of large stones is tedious and costly. As such there is a need to develop method of coastal protection using one man stone/concrete block.

Current Law

Article 60 of The United Nations Convention on the Law of the sea (UNCLOS) goes into further detail about artificial islands. First, prior to construction, due notice must be given and ³permanent means for giving warning of their presence must be maintained. Second, where necessary, a state may establish safety zones of no more than 500 meters around the island and that are reasonably related to the nature of the island to ensure navigation safety; these zones also require due notice be given. Islands may not be constructed in locations that would cause them interfere with international navigation, such as recognized sea lanes. Within this article of the Convention, the environment is explicitly mentioned once. However, it is only in the context of islands that have been abandoned that must be removed out of respect for, among other things, the environment.

Conclusion

For a developing country like India having a long coastline, it has been reported that about 1200 km of coastline is under the threat of erosion. In order to mitigate erosion effectively for such a long coast, it is necessary to develop various methodologies for shore protection/anti-sea erosion. The methodologies should be such that, it will be economical, easy to construct, makes use of locally available material and can be constructed in minimum period.

Due to inadequate awareness for protecting the coastline in particular and the coastal environment in general, it is essential to increase public awareness as well as training to the engineers executing the construction of coastal protection.