Higher quays

Higher quays in ports and harbours can help reduce the risk of flooding from rising sea levels.
Making existing quays higher requires more than just adding 0.5m concrete to the existing quay. With a higher quay, the forces working on the sheet pile are increased. If 0.5m soil is added behind the sheet pile, the sheet pile must be dimensioned to withstand the resulting soil pressure and the weight from any cranes, cargoes, etc. to be transported across the quay. Furthermore, drains through the sheet pile will have to be extended, and often the pipe dimensions will have to be enhanced to meet possible future capacity demands. Before embarking on a project to increase the height of a quay, the consequences of the project for the various types of vessel using the quay should be considered.