Event details
Nov
3
HMEI: Faculty Seminar: "Coastal Resilience: Influence of shape on near-coast structures" by Maria Garlock
The High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI) will host a seminar by Maria E. Moreyra Garlock, Daniel Tsui Professor in Engineering, on Tuesday, November 3. Maria is the third speaker in the Fall 2026 HMEI Faculty Seminar Series.
It is well known that the shape of a large-scale structure has an important influence on its performance and material efficiency. For example, the proper shape of a tall building can reduce wind drag forces and vortices (e.g. Burj Khalifa), the proper shape of a long-span roof can reduce undesirable bending stresses (e.g. Dulles Airport), and the proper shape of a bridge results in efficiency (e.g. Verrazzano Narrows). However, the influence of shape on near-coast structures (such as near-coast bridges, floodbarriers, and free-surface breakwaters) subject to wave action has not been extensively explored. This presentation examines the performance of variously shaped near-coast structures subject to wave actions. Using both experimental and numerical studies, the shapes examined are concave, convex, trapezoid, T-shape, hypar faced, and perforated facades. Overall, this research points to opportunities to enhance our coastal resilience.
This seminar is free and open to the public. Lunch will be available in the Briger Atrium at 11:45 a.m.
It is well known that the shape of a large-scale structure has an important influence on its performance and material efficiency. For example, the proper shape of a tall building can reduce wind drag forces and vortices (e.g. Burj Khalifa), the proper shape of a long-span roof can reduce undesirable bending stresses (e.g. Dulles Airport), and the proper shape of a bridge results in efficiency (e.g. Verrazzano Narrows). However, the influence of shape on near-coast structures (such as near-coast bridges, floodbarriers, and free-surface breakwaters) subject to wave action has not been extensively explored. This presentation examines the performance of variously shaped near-coast structures subject to wave actions. Using both experimental and numerical studies, the shapes examined are concave, convex, trapezoid, T-shape, hypar faced, and perforated facades. Overall, this research points to opportunities to enhance our coastal resilience.
This seminar is free and open to the public. Lunch will be available in the Briger Atrium at 11:45 a.m.
Speakers
Maria E. Moreyra Garlock
University programs and activities are open to all eligible participants without regard to identity or other protected characteristics. Sponsorship of an event does not constitute institutional endorsement of external speakers or views presented.
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