The importance of flocculation in dredge plume modelling
Numerical models are often used to predict the magnitude and behaviour of dredge plumes to help assess and manage any environmental risks. To provide a realistic prediction of plumes resulting from dredging, numerical models require information on the rate at which sediment is suspended by the dredging, along with the characteristics of the suspended sediment. Previous investigations have shown that in the marine environment, fine-grained sediment suspended by natural processes and dredge-related activities are typically present as aggregated particles known as flocs. This article considers the importance of including the process of flocculation in dredge plume models.
Reinforced soil – the quay wall structure for the future?
Steel and concrete are the most common materials used in quay wall structures. The application of these materials contributes to a high emission of greenhouse gasses such as CO2 and the materials make up a large part of the construction costs. This graduate research examines whether alternative quay wall structures have the potential to be more cost effective and more sustainable compared to conventional structures for inland ports. An innovative quay wall of reinforced soil was designed and quay elements implemented to make a quay wall structure. A comparison was then made based on the criteria costs and sustainability between the innovative quay design and two conventional quays.
“Dredging for Sustainable Infrastructure” course held from 20-22 June in Belgium
Registration open for the course Dredging for Sustainable Infrastructure; 20 - 22 June in Beveren (Belgium).
Deploying private capital to accelerate the green transition
Green solutions in ports, waterways and coastal projects have increasingly become available thanks to many years of research and pioneering efforts in practice. These sustainable and/or nature-based solutions have shown to be good alternatives for classic solutions, but application is far from mainstream yet. One of the major hurdles is the lack of access of private capital to finance these kinds of solutions despite the strong interest of capital markets in green infrastructure opportunities. Identifying the hurdles and paving a way forward to overcome these hurdles could therefore help to increase the uptake of those green solutions.
Did you miss the webinars on sustainable finance for marine infrastructure projects?
A replay is now available!
Webinars: Sustainable Finance for Marine Infrastructure Projects
This webinar is especially of interest for representatives of all stakeholder groups: Clients / Port Authorities, Insurance companies, Consultants, NGOs, Dredging Companies, Public sector entities, Financial Institutions/Investors and Regulators.
Join the free webinars on sustainable finance for marine infrastructure projects
Find out what is needed in order to improve the connection between green-labelled funds and sustainable marine infrastructure projects on 2 and 23 November 2023, 10:00 am CET.
2-day course ‘Dredging for Sustainable Infrastructure’ held in December in the UK
Registration open for the 2-day course Dredging for Sustainable Infrastructure; 13-14 December in Oxfordshire (UK).