Episode 109 – How Coastal Structures Hold Back the Ocean
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from Wish List failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Episode 109 – How Coastal Structures Hold Back the Ocean
-
Narrated by:
-
By:
About this listen
In this episode, we dig into flood and wave design and explore when water transitions from a site consideration into a true structural load case. We talk through how engineers identify flood risk, interpret FEMA flood maps, and determine when flood, wave, or debris loads must be considered—especially for engineers who typically design in dry conditions.
We break down the difference between flood loads and wave impact, how elevated structures, piles, and breakaway walls behave under water-driven forces, and where standard structural intuition starts to fall apart. The conversation also covers how ASCE 7, ASCE 24, and FEMA guidance are used in practice, common misconceptions around seawalls and shoreline protection, how engineers communicate risk to clients, and what the future of coastal design may look like as conditions continue to evolve.
Links & Resources:
StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd
Structural Trivia:
Sign up for our structural trivia! A quick email mid-week will keep you sharp.
Reach out to us:
TheEngineeringPodcast.com