Evans-Hamilton, Inc. (EHI) routinely performs studies to assist in the design and operation of offshore platforms, shoreline facilities, and underwater structures. To accomplish these studies, EHI utilizes integrated measurement systems and specialized equipment. EHI operates a wide variety of instruments and also designs, develops, and implements numerous data collection, storage and transmission systems for internal recording and real-time measurement systems.
In addition to understanding the technical aspects of the instrumentation, EHI personnel also have an in-depth understanding of the oceanographic and meteorological conditions in which the instruments must perform and the appropriateness of particular instruments to properly measure the features of interest. This level of understanding is critical to ensuring that the data being output by the instruments is an accurate representation of the processes being measured for design and operational conditions.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facilities
EHI has conducted numerous field measurement studies to assess conditions expected during construction and operations of LNG terminals around the coastal US. As part of these studies, field measurement programs have been undertaken including long-term measurements of current velocities, intensive short-term measurements of current velocities in the project area, and measurements of total suspended solids. To aid in the interpretation of the velocity data, EHI collects meteorological, tide, water level, and streamflow data to help characterize the marine and meteorological environment around the proposed facility site.
Outfall Diffusers
EHI has several decades of experience working with municipalities to aid in the assessment of the best locations for outfall diffusers within marine receiving waters. Prevailing conditions (current, wind, tide) affect the fate and transport of the outfall effluent so it is important to understand their interactions. Past experience by EHI on these projects has helped our clients to relocate diffusers when the initial site locations proved detrimental to the environment.
Coastal, River and Lake Processes
When working in challenging coastal and riverine environments, engineers and scientists rely on accurate field data for project design, model calibration, and impact assessments, and ultimately for ensuring project reliability, function, and cost effectiveness. The staff at EHI have measured coastal processes around the world for more than 30 years using state-of-the-art techniques, providing our clients with accurate and reliable data.
Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal Support
Dredging is critical for maintaining or creating navigation channels, marinas, and dockside facilities. EHI personnel excel in performing the required dredge and water quality monitoring for these events and have extensive training in tailoring instrumentation programs to precisely match client needs. EHI personnel are trained in the inspection of Silent Inspector (SI) systems for tracking and monitoring placement of dredged material. The collected data are reported on a near real-time basis to the US Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) SI database.
Transportation Structures and Facilities
EHI has a wide range of experience collecting and analyzing data for engineering design and modifications for transportation structures and facilities near coastal waterways. These include bridges, roads, ferry terminals, and runways in both urban and remote sites. Site-specific wind, wave, and current data are required by engineers and modelers for accurate design and structure stability.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy in the form of tidal currents, river currents, and coastal waves are gaining interest with utility districts, government agencies, and private investors. EHI is gaining recognition in this arena by providing measurements (both new and historical) to assist in determining the energy potential of sites and also the best locations for underwater turbines and conditions for cable lays.