Coastal Engineering Manual

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The CEM contains two major subdivisions: Science-based and Engineering-based.

• The science parts include "Coastal Hydrodynamics," "Coastal Sediment Processes," and "Coastal Geology." These provide the foundation upon which the engineering parts are based. The Coastal Hydrodynamics Part is organized to lead the reader from the fundamental principles of wave theory and ocean wave generation through the process of wave transformation as the wave form approaches and reacts with the shore. Water-level variations and currents are included in this part. The Coastal Sediment Processes part includes chapters on longshore and cross-shore transport as well as chapters on shelf, and wind transport processes. The Coastal Geology Part includes chapters on geomorphology, coastal classification, and morphodynamic processes on sandy shores.
• The two Engineering-based parts of the CEM ("Coastal Project Planning and Design" and "Design of Coastal Project Elements") are oriented toward a project-type approach, rather then the individual structure design approach which characterized the SPM.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers EM 1110-2-1100
30 April 2002
Updated to 1 June 2006

Replaces:

Shore Protection Manual, 1984

EC 1110-2-289, 30 September 1996

EC 1110-2-292, 31 March 1998

EM 1110-2-1004, 30 November 1993

EM 1110-2-1412, 15 April 1986

EM 1110-2-1414, 7 July 1989

EM 1110-2-1502, 20 August 1992

EM 1110-2-1616, 31 January 1991

EM 1110-2-1617, 20 August 1992

EM 1110-2-1618, 28 April 1995

EM 1110-2-2904, 8 August 1986

EM 1110-2-3301, 31 May 1995.

The purpose of the CEM is to provide a single, comprehensive technical document that incorporates tools and procedures to plan, design, construct, and maintain coastal projects. This engineering manual will include the basic principles of coastal processes, methods for computing coastal planning and design parameters, and guidance on how to formulate and conduct studies in support of coastal flooding, shore protection, and navigation projects. The CEM is intended to provide broader coverage of all aspects of coastal engineering than the present SPM. Sections include navigation and harbor design, dredging and disposal, structure repair and rehabilitation, wetland and low-energy shore protection, risk analysis, field instrumentation, numerical simulation, the engineering process, and other topics.

Conventional Underwater Construction and Repair Techniques

NAVFAC P-990
May 1995

This document is primarily intended as a guide for the Navy’s Underwater Construction Teams (UCTs) in condncting conventional underwater construction, maintenance, and repair. It is based on experience gained during UCT operations conducted world-wide and on relevant commercial practices. The Conventional Underwater Construction and Repair Techniques Manual was first published in 1993 and since then has received wide distribution. The seven chapters and appendixes contained herein cover project preparation and documentation; site survey techniques; maintenance, repair, and installation methods; tool selection; and pertinent technical references and sources of related equipment and materials.

Design: Dockside Utilities for Ship Service

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UFC 4-150-02
12 May 2003

Supersedes MIL-HDBK-1025/2, May 1988.

Dredging Equipment

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NAVFAC DM 38.2
July 1981

This manual contains the following: information on procurement of dredging; types of equipment available, their characteristics and capacities; basic economics of dredging operations; and preparation of plans and specifications for the procurement of dredging for harbors, anchorages, turning basins and ship channels. A catalogue (description and characteristics) of dredges currently in the Navy inventory is included for guidance in the potential procurement of dredging by assignment of Navy equipment.

Engineering for Prefabricated Construction of Navigation Projects

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EM 1110-2-2611
1 February 2004

Navigation projects have traditionally been constructed within cofferdams, which have often been overtopped during flood events. Also, construction and maintenance of cofferdams have been time consuming and costly. Technology exists, largely practiced in the construction of bridges and offshore oil facilities, that will permit some navigation projects to be constructed without cofferdams. This can be achieved by preparing foundations underwater, precasting/prefabricating the shells of major concrete components offsite, placing these thin precast elements on the prepared foundation, and then filling them with concrete. Other options include the use of floating segments that are delivered to the site afloat and remain afloat such as floating guide walls. Use of this technology can have benefits related to cost savings, rapid completion of construction, fewer delays due to weather or water conditions, less interference with existing traffic, and less environmental impact. Several USACE navigation projects have been or are currently being designed to use these construction methods.

Environmental Engineering Series:

Environmental Engineering for Deep Draft Navigation Projects

Environmental Engineering for Coastal Shore Protection

Environmental Engineering for Flood Control Channels

Environmental Engineering for Small Boat Basins

EM 1110-2-1202, 29 May 1987
EM 1110-2-1204, 10 July 1989
EM 1110-2-1205, 15 November 1989
EM 1110-2-1206, 31 October 1993

These manuals discuss the envionmental engineering aspects for a wide variety of marine projects. They are divided according to project type.

Marine Hydraulics Series:

River Hydraulics

Tidal Hydraulics

Photo courtesy of the Church of God Chaplains Commission

River Hydraulics
EM 1110-2-1416, 15 October 1993

Tidal Hydraulics
EM 1110-2-1607, 15 March 1991

This manual provides design guidance for the development or improvement of navigation and flood control projects in estuaries. Factors are presented that should be considered in providing safe and efficient navigation facilities with least construction and maintenance costs and/or providing protection from design floods. Considerations for preventing damage to the environmental quality of the estuary are also presented. The design engineer is expected to adopt the general guidance presented in this manual to specific projects. Deviations from this guidance are acceptable if adequately substantiated. It should be noted that coastal structures and approach channels are not included in this manual.

Hyperbaric Facilitites

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NAVFAC DM 39
July 1982

General guidance relating to the design of hyperbaric facilities is presented for use by experienced engineers and architects and members of the Navy Diving Community who require information in this very specialized area. Design guidance is provided on pressure chambers and vessels, appurtenances, foundations piping systems, life support systems, wet pots, fire protection systems, electrical systems, communication systems, control systems, system cleaning, lubricants, sealants, and materials.

Seawall and Bulkhead Series

Seawalls, Bulkheads, and Quaywalls

Design of Coastal Revetments, Seawalls and Bulkheads

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Seawalls, Bulkheads and Quaywalls
MIL-HDBK-1025/4
30 September 1988

Superseding DM-25.4, July 1981

Design of Coastal Revetments, Seawalls and Bulkheads
EM 1110-2-1614
30 June 1995

Basic criteria for the design of seawalls, bulkheads, and quaywalls is presented for use by experienced engineers. The contents cover general topics including selection factors, as well as detailed design considerations for various types of seawalls, bulkheads, and quaywalls. A discussion of special considerations is included.

• A seawall is a soil retaining or armoring structure whose purpose is to defend a shoreline against wave attack. It differs from a breakwater in its capacity as a soil retention structure. Seawalls are forms of shore protection and are not intended for use as berthing facilities
• A bulkhead is a soil retaining wall structure comprised of vertically-spanning sheet piles or other flexural members. Bulkheads derive their stability through mobilization of passive earth pressures between the mudline and embedded tip, and, in most cases, from a lateral restraint system installed between Mean Low Water (MLW) and top of the wall top. Bulkheads are installed to establish and maintain elevated grades along shorelines in relatively sheltered areas not subject to appreciable wave attack, and are commonly used as berthing facilities.
• A quaywall is a gravity wall structure having the dual function of providing shore protection against light to moderate wave attack and a berthing face for ships. Its function is similar to a bulkhead but should be chosen when overall height requirements or wave environment severity exceed the practical capabilities of typical bulkhead constructions. Quaywalls differ from bulkheads and wall-type seawalls in that they do not necessarily retain a soil backfill.
• Revetments are generally constructed of durable stone or other materials that will provide sufficient armoring for protected slopes. They consist of an armor layer, filter layer(s), and toe protection. The armor layer may be a random mass of stone or concrete rubble or a well-ordered array of structural elements that interlock to form a geometric pattern. The filter assures drainage and retention of the underlying soil. Toe protection is needed to provide stability against undermining at the bottom of the structure.