ABSTRACT
The realization of a quay wall is a process of planning, design and construction in which many choices must be made and decisions must be taken. The most crucial decisions are probably those associated with the determination of the wishes and requirements of the client, because these determine the required function of the quay wall. The combination of wishes and requirements forms the terms of reference: this is the basis for the development of different options. The optimum design is then worked out in detail and the quay is constructed. The above operations depict the design process that is followed for quay walls. This is characterised by its phased nature, the following phases being distinguished in a traditional building contract:
• Orientation phase In the orientation phase the client expresses the desire to construct a quay wall. Based on these wishes and requirements, a general investigation of the technical and economic feasibility of this is carried out.
