Webinar: Crisis Management of Accidents in Navigation Hydraulic Structures

While a high-profile event such as the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge may momentarily capture the nation’s attention, navigation accidents, calamities, and failures are more common than many people realize – and the costs of these accidents and failures are growing. If hydraulic structures such as lock gates, navigation river weirs, and storm surge barriers are to remain in service, engineers must also be capable of adequately handling their failures.

Accidents and failures to hydraulic structures happen not only when their loads exceed the design strength; other possible causes are lack of inspection and maintenance, improper operation, extreme weather events, and navigation errors. In addition, there are often complex combinations and sequences of events that may lead to accidents.

Join PIANC USA and presenter Timothy Paulus for a comprehensive online session to discuss strategies for handling emergencies in navigation hydraulic structures. During this webinar, Mr. Paulus will provide a summary of PIANC’s recent report on Crisis Management of Accidents in Navigation Hydraulic Structures, of which he was chairman. The webinar will cover common causes of – and proper preparation for – navigation accidents, gathered from case studies of notable global accidents.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with professionals in the field. Register now to secure your spot!

Presenter: Timothy Paulus

Mr. Paulus is a Mechanical Engineer and Mechanical Engineering Community of Practice lead with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Headquarters. He has 37 years of experience working for USACE. Mr. Paulus is co-author of the recently published book, Lock Gates and Other Closures in Hydraulic Projects; the primary author of the USACE technical report on Mechanical Equipment Lubrication published in 2018; and the technical manager and author of multiple chapters of USACE documents on mechanical and electrical design of navigation locks and dams, machinery lubrication, and wire rope design. He has worked on numerous dam safety evaluation teams and Periodic Assessment Consistency Review teams. Mr. Paulus was chairman of PIANC Working Group 241 on Crisis Management of Accidents in Navigation Hydraulic Structures. He has participated as a member or chairman in multiple other PIANC Working Groups.

About PIANC USA

PIANC USA is the United States section of the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure. We are committed to fostering progress in all fields related to waterborne transportation. Since 1902, PIANC USA members have worked with experts from around the world to improve and support maritime and inland waterway and port development and management. PIANC USA contributes groundbreaking innovations to the planning, design, construction, improvement, maintenance, and operation of ports and waterways.