Optimization of Urban Quay Wall Design

A parametric approach to improve the structural efficiency

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

S.A. Mohamed el Hag Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Contributors

H.R. Schipper Applied Mechanics - CEG (supervisor 2)
H. Alkisaei Applied Mechanics - CEG (supervisor 1)
W. Broere Geo-engineering - CEG (supervisor 2)
M.A. Popescu Applied Mechanics - CEG (supervisor 2)
Richard Westerbeek Mobilis TBI (supervisor 1)
Nick Nass Mobilis TBI (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Civil Engineering & Geosciences
Copyright: © 2023 Sharif Mohamed el Hag
Optimization Amsterdam Parametric design Urban quay walls Structural efficiency
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Published Date

16-02-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Abstract

Over the last years the critical state of existing quay wall structures have gained a lot of concern. With the focus on urban quay walls in Amsterdam, a lot of aspects could play a role which limit the possibilities for both the design and the construction. The focus in this research is placed at the structural efficiency of the design for renovation projects. By using a parametric approach (with Grasshopper/Rhino) in the preliminary design phase, a design solution with the lowest use of material can be found.

From the total of embankment within the management of the municipality, a scope has been defined focusing on the most critical quays with respect to the limited design space and high expected loads. Within the assumptions made, the developed parametric tool can be used to indicate an efficient design solution for which the positioning of the piles, the diameter of the piles and the thickness of the floor follow from the location-dependent input. The indication of the effect of geometrical properties with respect to the defined objective (minimizing the material use) could help in the consideration of the design requirements.

Apart from indicating the savings that can be made on the material use by improving the structural efficiency of urban quay wall design, this research also contributes to proof of the power to be found in a parametric approach. The repetitive character in especially large-scale assignments as the renovation of Amsterdam's quay walls makes it a highly appropriate method.