Designing buildings in coastal areas demands a higher level of planning, expertise, and experience. The conditions in such areas, though picturesque and demanding, entail high humidity, wind, and temperatures. Strudco, being one of the top structural design companies in Dubai, has closely worked with such conditions and, in every coastal project, has adopted a precise, innovative, and long-term approach. Designing a residential, commercial, or industrial building in a coastal area is a demanding task, and each and every element must receive focused attention. In this blog, we shall rely on the considerable parameters that must be taken into account during the design of structures in coastal areas and the impact of contemporary engineering and BIM.
Understanding Coastal Environmental Conditions
The first and most crucial consideration in designing a coastal structure is awareness of the environment. Coastal areas tend to be more humid, saline, and turbulent compared to other areas. Such factors tend to impact the health and life span of the structures if adequate consideration is not given to the design aspects. Salt can easily corrode steel and reinforced iron, while high humidity tends to break down concrete. As one of the best architectural design companies in Dubai, we take into consideration these factors right from the beginning to ensure smooth execution and functionality during the life span of the building.
Material Selection for Coastal Durability
Material selection is highly important in the case of seaside buildings. This is because not all materials have the same reaction to the salt, moisture, and high temperatures. Corrosion-resistant steel, coatings, high-quality concrete mix designs, and façade materials have always played an important part in seaside building projects. Most modern façade designs, made with the use of BIM software, enable the designer to exert better control over joints, fixings, and water drainage paths. This is particularly important in the case of tall buildings standing close to the seaside, where the corrosive effect produced by wind-borne rain and salt spray may act on the joints. It is our expertise as facade BIM designers in Qatar and Dubai that enables us to develop an accurate model for the different sections to predict their behavior.
Structural Stability and Wind Load Considerations
Coastal regions are prone to strong winds, cyclones, and storms. The stability of a structure with a lateral load becomes a critical design parameter. The wind pressure impacts the main system of a structure as well as its facade and cladding system. The structural analysis includes global and local effects of wind pressure on a design. It is very important that load pathways and flow are properly identified and safe flow of pressure is ensured on a foundation system. Currently, at Strudco, we employ advanced analysis tools that help in simulating wind pressure and designing a system according to that. As a reliable structural design consultant in Bahrain and beyond, we are experienced in projects that come within strict wind and coast parameters.
Corrosion Protection and Structural Longevity
One of the biggest risks associated with coastal structures is corrosion. The design approaches have to factor in and address corrosion allowances, protective paint, cathodic protection systems, and regular inspections. The thickness of concrete covers and designs that do not trap water are equally important. BIM detailing ensures this critical aspect is addressed during the design phase, and vulnerable points to corrosion are properly addressed. Our expertise in façade BIM services in Saudi Arabia allows us to efficiently incorporate these aspects in both structural and façade designs.
Foundation Design in Coastal Soil Conditions
Soil characteristics may vary from place to place on the coast. For example, in some places the soil may be sandy, the water table may be high, and the groundwater may be saline. Such situations call for special foundation designs. It may not always be feasible to implement shallow foundations, while other methods, such as deep foundations, including the use of piles, may be adopted. Geotechnical information is essential in deciding the type, size, and method of foundation implementation. Our team makes special efforts to coordinate the foundation with the superstructure.
Role of BIM in Coastal Structural Design
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has brought a revolution in the design and implementation of coastal buildings. BIM provides better visualization, coordination, and accuracy, which are required for complex coastal works. By the use of BIM, clashes of structural systems, façade systems, or MEP systems can now be identified at the initial stage of construction. 3D models of the building provide important assistance regarding the method of installing the systems or accessing the system for maintenance purposes. Our BIM method helps architects, contractors, and owners by providing them with accurate models of the building.
Adherence to Internationally Accepted Standards and Codes
Coastal works also have specific guidelines when it comes to designs involving factors like wind resistance, resisting corrosion, fire resistance, and structural strength. These design criteria cannot be avoided but must be adhered to for the very safety of the structure as well as its final acceptance. We have a team of the best structural designers in Saudi Arabia and worldwide and understand a wide array of international specifications as well as indigenous designs.
Designing for Long-Term Performance
Besides issues of safety, there is an even greater requirement to take into consideration the long-term functionality of structures in coastlines. These will include considerations of maintainability, upgradability, and sustainability with regard to climate change. Detail design, material durability, and record accuracy all must be relied upon to achieve maximum longevity. We firmly believe that successful design in a coastline project is something more than a current need; it is to design to endure.
Designing structures in the coastal region is not an easy task, and it cannot be done by everyone. There are many points that need to be considered, and this requires expertise along with the use of technology. As one of the top façade designers in UAE, we make use of the best in structural expertise and BIM knowledge to provide efficient and smart structures in the coastal region across the globe. Our commitment to quality, speed, and innovation ensures that the most challenging project in the coastal region gets executed with complete precision and accuracy.