Some of the biggest and most involved engineering projects come about because of the need for greater transport links, networks and systems. Everything from airport and harbor design to building new roads and bridges comes about because of the need to accommodate increasing numbers of people travelling around the world both for business and pleasure.
Underground rail systems are now the backbone of most major cities across the world but they are also the most troublesome to achieve. The recent construction of the extension to the London Underground's Jubilee Line is a case in point. It was delayed several times due to problems associated with tunneling.
The project was originally expected to take just under three years to complete but the delays made this impossible. There were technical problems and also a tunnel collapse during work on the Heathrow Express's NATM tunnel. The collapse focused minds and extra care was taken with the tunneling. Over 30 major London buildings stood on top of the proposed route including the Government's Treasury HQ, the Ritz Hotel and St James Park.
All the considerable engineering problems had to be overcome and although the cost on the project did increase the Jubilee Line now provides an important link in the capital city and will play a significant role in the 2012 Olympics.
One of the biggest engineering challenges of any is that of harbor design. The planet's oceans are an enormous natural environment with incredible, sometimes devastating power. In designing and constructing a harbor there are many considerations and problems to overcome that are unique and not found in any other type of engineering project.
Bank construction, breakwaters, quays and wharves all need to be properly accounted for in harbor design and construction. It wouldn't be far from the truth to say that every type of engineering is involved when it comes to the construction of a harbor. Factors to be figured into any plan or project include soil foundation, water supply, sewage systems, structures, electrical supply and construction.
Because the environment in any harbor design is volatile and sometimes unpredictable the need for every element to be properly considered at the planning stage is vital. Unlike some engineering projects where there is some room to maneuver during the actual construction process, the building of a harbor does not afford such luxury. A small missed detail or miscalculation can bring a project to a complete halt and have a detrimental effect on the cost.
The introduction of sophisticated computer software has helped in the planning and initial stages of harbor design but unlike other areas where engineering technology has improved greatly, the engineering techniques in harbor construction have not improved to such a degree. In part this can put down to the unpredictable nature of the environment and the inability to fully control the ocean.
Next year sees the start of work on the new Edinburgh Harbor. The project involves the transformation of a 26 hectare brownfield site along with the expansion of the existing Ocean Terminal. The engineering considerations on the project are considerable with plans for new terminals, piers and a marina which will include a berth for the cross-Forth ferry.
The new harbor design also includes plans for an improved infrastructure and transport links that will help the already well established tourist industry move forward. A state of the art harbor in the region could significantly open up the area to American visitors and investors. Upon completion it is hoped that the new Edinburgh Harbor will bring in 200 million pounds annually to the Scottish economy and will create thousands of jobs.
About the Author:
Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the engineering industry.
Find out more about
harbor design and large engineering projects.
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Date Published :
Dec 18 2008