Research in this thrust develops materials, structural designs, and construction methods purpose-built for coastal conditions, including advanced and bio-based concretes, nature-based erosion and scour countermeasures, structural systems designed to resist surge and flooding, and pavement designs that increase safety from unique coastal threats. These solutions are rigorously evaluated for real-world performance, closing the gap between promising materials and reliable, field-ready practice.
Transformational Coastal Transportation Infrastructure Design and Construction
Coastal transportation infrastructure is often designed and built using materials and methods developed for inland conditions, leaving it vulnerable to erosion, scour, corrosion, and storm surge from the start. Conventional concrete, foundations, and structural systems were not created to withstand constant saltwater exposure or the intensifying loads that coastal environments place on bridges, pavements, and shoreline protection. Without design and construction practices built specifically for these conditions, new infrastructure inherits the same durability challenges it aims to prevent.
Projects In This Thrust
Active Projects
- Biocementation-Based Coastal Infrastructure for Flood Protection and Beach Access
- Coastal and River Bridge Scour Mitigation Using Hybrid Solutions
- Cracking-Resistant Concrete for Durable Coastal Structures
- Hydroplaning Potential in Coastal Regions
- Novel Concretes Using Supplementary Cementitious Materials and Seawater
- Novel Surge Barriers for Coastal Protection
- Optimizing SeaHive® Solutions to Mitigate Bridge Scour
- SeaHive® Solutions to Mitigate Bridge Scour — Phase III
- Self-Sealing Concrete for Coastal Infrastructure Durability
- Soil Innovations for Enhanced Coastal Infrastructure Durability
- Ultra-High Performance Concrete Composite Decks for Long-Span Coastal Bridges