Guided Online Courses

The last date to register for this course is June 1, 2023.

Instructor facilitation from May 8 – July 28. On-demand from July 29 – August 24.

After July 28, the course will remain open, but will be monitored by ASCE staff only until September 7, 2023.

If you are not currently logged into ASCE, you will be asked to log in or create an ASCE account.

Certificate programs     

Save up to $275 when you purchase this course through the Port Engineering Certificate Program

Sponsored by COPRI and the COPRI Ports and Harbors Committee Certificate in Port Engineering Task Committee

Credits

2.4 CEUs / 24 PDHs

Pricing

Member $1045 | Non-member $1345 —new lower pricing

Instructors

Martin L. Eskijian P.E., D.PE, (Ret.), M. ASCE  
William M. Bruin P.E. D.PE, M.ASCE 

Purpose & background

For the past almost 30 years, engineers at port authorities, consulting firms have no educational background in wave mechanics, wave/current forces on marine structures, or mooring/berthing loads onto structures. And with very few universities teaching this material, the only way it’s usually learned is by working in the field. These 5–6 modules (none in parallel) provide the background in marine/port engineering, and the prospective student will have an appreciation of the 3 issues and problems associated with this field. At the very least, the student will know what questions to ask and the background/references provided in these modules are the basis for port engineering.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • List types of port structures (e.g. wharves, piers, docks, bulkheads breakwaters, sheet pile structures, etc.)
  • Identify the necessary basic design criteria for port/harbor structures, all applicable loads, and recommended load combinations/factors.
  • Explain wave theories and wave/current forces on piles/seawalls.
  • Explain concepts of berthing analysis and fender design.
  • Describe mooring analysis and passing vessel loads.
  • List container crane design considerations and issues associated with container cranes.
  • Identify common types of port structures and relevant load paths.
  • Compute berthing and static mooring loads on a port structure.
  • Describe the basics of submerged pipelines, loads, free spanning, and vortex shedding.
  • Explain the rehabilitation/inspection of existing port structures.

Assessment of learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are assessed through multiple tests, interactive knowledge checks, and case studies, as well as weekly forum participation throughout the course.

Who should attend?

  • Entry level engineers employed at port authorities, consulting firms, etc. who need to become familiar with the many facets of analysis/design of port infrastructure.  
  • Engineers seeking to move into port engineering from other civil/mechanical disciplines (e.g. buildings, pipelines, etc.)
  • Senior level management personnel who might have recently assumed responsibilities over port engineering without any background.  
  • Engineers seeking to gain expertise in a subject; possibly taking one or two classes, but not desiring to complete a “certificate.”

Policies & system requirements