This past week, the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS) partnered with the Western Dredging Association (WEDA) to host a short course at the 2024 Dredging Summit & Expo in Tampa, Florida. The short course, Nature-based Solutions Engineering and Construction, was organized by UGA’s Todd Bridges, as well as Jeff King from USACE’s Engineering With Nature® initiative and Ram Mohan from Anchor QEA, a design and engineering firm that focuses on nearshore and aquatic-based infrastructure.
The short course centered on the use of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to support risk management, hazard mitigation, sustainable infrastructure and resilient communities in the field of construction and engineering. On the agenda were sessions about every step of the engineering process, from design and valuation to case studies of real projects and best practices for continuing management.
Amanda Tritinger, a speaker and participant at the short course and Deputy Program Manager of USACE’S Engineering With Nature initiative, spoke to its value.
“The diversity in the short course at WEDA on Nature-Based Solutions was refreshing. One of the best parts was the engaging dialogues between researchers, practitioners, and industry professionals, which provided fascinating perspectives on the synergy between research and development and field implementation,” Tritinger said. “During these discussions, I got the feeling that we were progressing the practice of NBS creation through the use of Beneficial Use Dredged Material, and that innovation in design is possible through collaboration and conversation.”
The 2024 Dredging Summit & Expo included technical panels, over 110 exhibitors, and a number of short courses. The short course built on the Summit’s theme, “Building a Resilient Future,” by providing attendees with Professional Development hours while expanding their understanding of NBS design and construction.
To learn more about the short course and its attendees, visit the agenda here.
Photo by Rachel Hile-Broad via LinkedIn.
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