Design and Civil Construction Considerations in Gulf Coast Region

The gulf coast regions have bustling industrial sectors and are a frequent site for structure expansion, renovation, and new construction projects. One of the primary needs for these types of construction projects is the availability of a trained local workforce, including engineers and developers, well acquainted with the requirements of the industrial sector.

Gulf coast regions are the epicenter of large industrial construction projects that often face specific climate and production demand challenges. This article discusses the concerns and considerations of the civil construction project in the Gulf Coast area.

Coastal structures are prone to extreme hazards such as high winds, storm surge, heavy rainfall, and loads such as hydrostatic forces, hydrodynamic forces, waves, erosion, and scour. Due to the intensity of these conditions, coastal construction involves additional considerations such as:

• Erosion and Scour Control: It is estimated that between 25-35 square miles of Gulf Coast shorelines are lost each year due to erosion. Scours and erosion can undermine structural foundations causing buildings to fail. Moreover, subsidence floods and water levels increase the potential of flood depths. Proper shoring and site preparation can protect the construction site from damage.
• Land Clearing & Grubbing: The Gulf Coast regions are covered with abundant vegetation. Though it is vital to protect the natural landscape, at the same time, thorough planning and preparation of the project site for construction is a must. All the trees, shrubs, stumps, rocks, and other obstacles should be grubbed or removed from the site without risking damage to structure equipment and materials while maintaining the ecological integrity of the region.
• Heavy Haul Roads: The most crucial aspect of any construction site is its accessibility to utilize equipment and workforce effectively. Soft soil and heavy rainfall can turn roads into mud pits if the paths are not appropriately constructed and reinforced. So, construction engineers should build roads that can withstand the weight.
• Constructing Foundation Concerns in Coastal Areas: A secure and robust foundation is a fundamental requisite for any civil construction project. It is vital to determine parameters before working on construction projects when we consider the Gulf Coast region where the soil is soft, wind, and rainfall is high. Structures that shifts or cracks are likely to result in costly property damage. Piling: Piling is a type of deep foundation that transfers building loads to a deeper level (to the earth) than is possible with a traditional shallow foundation. It is recommended to choose correct materials for piling and driving them to a deeper level. Construction of pile foundations requires a careful choice depending on the size of the building and type of construction site. So, it is essential to choose highly qualified civil & structural engineering consultants for the effective planning of construction in the Gulf Coast area.
• Structural Demands for Gulf Coast Buildings: It is imperative to utilize high-quality materials to build facilities in the Gulf Coast region by adhering to essential safety codes and standards. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) – an international standard organization has defined guidelines for proper usage and composition of concrete in coastal areas.