Sand Piper Park suffered severe damage due to the passage of
super storm sandy, the massive storm surges completely damaged the park, beach
front and adjacent boardwalk. Since the aftermath of sandy we were faced with
various engineering challenges in rebuilding this park and minimizing the
amount of damage if such an event was to occur again. Challenges faced include;
·
Minimizing the effect of beach erosion from long
shore drift and storm surges
·
Protect boardwalk and park structures from
future storm surges and flooding
·
Provide a barrier between the park and beach
while still making the beach accessible.
·
Supporting heavy protective structures on soil
with weak bearing capacities
·
Providing structures which above the redefined FEMA
100 yr flood maps along the existing parks beachfront.
·
Providing engineering solutions to meet all of
the parks redesigned aesthetic and functional requirements.
After
much thought and research the following engineering solutions where developed,
consideration was giving to the relative cost, ease of construction,
effectiveness, low maintenance cost and environmental impacts. The following engineering
solutions where developed to adequately satisfy the above mentioned challenges.
·
The construction of groynes to provide coastal
protection and minimize the effect of beach erosion and long shore drift on the
coastline
·
The construction of a seawall along the length
of sand piper park which provides added protection of on-shore structures from
being eroded ,flooded of destroyed by the forces of wave action
·
Innovative design of the seawalls façade to
allow access to the beach, seating area for views of the sunset. and supporting
structure for the boardwalk
·
the use of end bearing piles to support new
structures on soil of weak bearing capacities
·
Increasing the height of our park to coincide
with FEMA new flood level directives.
·
the use of solar powered lighting fixtures to
provide light for safety and after hours
access to park facilities
·
the design of ramps to allow for access and use
of our park to the physically challenged and disabled
·
The design of plumbing needs to satisfy park
features, comfort stations etc..
·
The use of innovative wave energy converters
such as the “ANACODA” for the harnessing of wave energy for power generation.
SEAWALLS
Seawalls are designed to protect the shore from being eroded
or flooded. It also protects recreational activities like parks from being
destroyed by the force of the waves. Seawalls reflect the energy of the wave
back to the ocean. Three types of seawalls include a curve, mound, and vertical
sea wall. They can be made up of concrete, steel or rubble. Overall, sea walls
have disadvantages and disadvantages.
Vertical sea walls absorb wave energy which aids in helping
the coast to not be destroyed. Unfortunately, vertical sea walls get destroyed
at a faster rate than other types of sea walls, and will cost a lot of money to
repair.
Curved sea walls are designed so that the waves would not
reach the top of the wall. The curved design of the sea wall protects the base
of the wall. The disadvantage of a curved sea wall is that the material beneath
the wall becomes eroded when the energy of the sea wall is reflected back into
the ocean.
Mound
sea walls are often used when tidal waves are not so strong. They can be made
up of sandbags, stones or porous rocks
Plumbing
design for water feature:
To
satisfy the requirements of sand pipers water feature potable water from the cities
water supply will be used to ensure health and safety, system includes:
·
Backflow preventer to prevent reverse flow t o
city supply
·
pumps to maintain required flow pressure
·
valve box and activators to regulate flow and sequence of water feature
·
piping to individual flush mount and above grade sprays and showers
·
Drains and drain pipes to convey grey water to
sediment traps before being released into city waste water.
