Classes

CGN4905/6905 – Special Problems in Civil Engineering: Coastal Marine Geotechnics

With a likely acceleration in coastal flooding, sea-level rise and related coastal erosion in the future, as well as increased industrial usage of the coastal zone and oceans, there is an increasing demand for qualified civil engineers with an under- standing of coastal and marine processes. This course provides an introduction to coastal and marine geotechnical engineering, and exposes students to the array of geotechnical engineering considerations unique to coastal projects. These considerations include subaqueous sediment dynamics, in-situ geotechnical methods, complementary survey techniques and specific applications such as for offshore renewable energy and port and navigation infrastructure. In summary the course will cover the following topics:

• Geotechnical aspects of coastal and marine engineering.
• Introduction to the coastal zone as a working environment.
• In-situ geotechnical methods and complementary techniques for investigation.
• Survey strategies.
• Local field trips for demonstrating methods, practice and design.

Offered annually in Spring

Syllabus: CGN4905SyllabusCoastMarGeot CGN6905SyllabusCoastMarGeot

CGN6905 – Special Problems in Civil Engineering: Erosion and Scour in Coastal Environments

The course is designed as an introduction to scour processes. Scour leads to most bridge failures and failures of coastal structures in the U.S., and thus, is an important topic to civil engineers. The course will give a background on the governing processes and theory, state-of-the-art scour assessment and prediction methods. It will address scour around different type of structures (piles, pipelines, breakwaters, etc.) in current and wave dominated areas. It will also address the topic of ship propeller scour in ports, and the impact of liquefaction on scour. Students will gain a solid knowledge of scour processes, and will have the opportunity to apply scour assessment and prediction methods.

Offered again in Spring 2026

Syllabus: CGN6905SyllabusScourEr

Research Assistantships

Graduate Research Assistantships

Currently, no vacancy. However, if you are very interested in our research, please contact Dr. Nina Stark (nina.stark@ufl.edu) to inquire about future opportunities.

Undergraduate research opportunities

Currently no vacancy, but if you are very interested in our research, please contact Dr. Nina Stark (nina.stark@ufl.edu).