Episode 109 – How Coastal Structures Hold Back the Ocean

The Structural Engineering Podcast · Apr 1, 2026 · 1h 1m

In this episode, we dig into flood and wave design and explore when water transitions from a site consideration into a true structural load case. We talk through how engineers identify flood risk, interpret FEMA flood maps, and determine when flood, wave, or debris loads must be considered—especially for engineers who typically design in dry conditions. We break down the difference between flood loads and wave impact, how elevated structures, piles, and breakaway walls behave under water-driven forces, and where standard structural intuition starts to fall apart. The conversation also covers…