Alexandria Engineering Journal (2019) 58, 507–518

H O S T E D BY
Alexandria University

Alexandria Engineering Journal

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Architectural design concept and guidelines for

floating structures for tackling sea level rise impacts
on Abu-Qir
Ahmed A. El-Shihy *, José M. Ezquiaga

Superior Technical School of Architecture, Technical University of Madrid (UPM, Universidad Polite´cnica de Madrid), Av. Juan
de Herrera, 4, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Received 4 May 2019; accepted 16 May 2019

Available online 5 June 2019

KEYWORDS Abstract Previous studies indicate that floating structures developed through the last decades con-
Sea level rise; cluding that it’s the most sustainable solution against sea level rise (SLR), preferring it to land recla-
Land subsidence; mation approaches regarding sustainability, lifespan, and cost-effectiveness, that Egyptian
Adaptation approaches; researches seem to disregard. This paper guides architects and urban planners when designing float-
Architectural design of ing structures by introducing new approach of floating community model and architectural design
floating structures; guidelines for floating structures for tackling SLR impacts on Abu-Qir. To illustrate such approach,
Sustainability; this paper initially conducts analysis on Abu-Qir and coastal management solutions practiced as
Egypt their properties provide the required knowledge for selecting the best mitigation solution for such
area. Second, it conducts exploratory analysis to investigate floating structures as a more sustain-
able and long-term solution. Third, applying conclusions from previous sections of site analysis,
mitigation solutions, and floating structures to define a floating community concept model for
Abu-Qir. Findings support key arguments that traditional mitigation methods aren’t sustainable
or long-term solutions. Analysis demonstrate Abu-Qir Bay as the most vulnerable area to SLR.
Although floating structures have demonstrated not to be the optimum solution in every case
regarding cost-effectiveness and/or site suitability, however upon site analysis, it presents itself as
the ideal solution for Abu-Qir bay.
Ó 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria
University. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).

1. Introduction

The primary purpose of this paper is to introduce new

* Corresponding author at: Av. Juan de Herrera, 4, 28040 Madrid, approach of floating community model and architectural
Spain design guidelines for floating structures for tackling SLR
E-mail address: [email protected] (A.A. El-Shihy). impacts on Abu-Qir. Research and speculation on SLR
Peer review under responsibility of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria impacts on coastal areas, small islands and low-lying areas in
University. the world have been growing at a rapid rate. In recent years,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2019.05.003
1110-0168 Ó 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University.
This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
508 A.A. El-Shihy, J.M. Ezquiaga

the study of mitigation solutions regarding tackling the rising 2. Literature review
seas challenges has dramatically increased. Over the past few
years, studies on very large floating structures (VLFS) has been Recent studies conducted by the Intergovernmental Panel on
attracting architects, urban and city planners, and civil engi- Climate Change [10,11] concerning mega-deltas have shown
neers as it has emerged as an effective solution for tackling that the Nile Delta in Egypt is one of the three most vulnerable
the rising seas challenges. mega-deltas around the world due to their low-lying coastlines
This study is designed to assess two hypotheses: the Nile besides the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta in Bangladesh and
Delta’s coastline will eventually be submerged as design strate- India, and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. The probable one-
gies and coastal management practiced only offer unsustain- meter SLR is anticipated to impact around 6.1 million inhab-
able short-term solutions; and that floating structures may itants of the Nile Delta, while 1.5 m SLR may submerge an
offer the optimum solution for safeguarding Egypt’s coastal area around 22,000 km2 in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta,
sovereignty when addressing land subsidence problems. This impacting up to 17 million residents [6].
paper is set out to explore SLR impacts on Abu-Qir, further- The Arab Environment Climate Change Report by Tolba
more, this paper highlights probable architectural design & Saab [20] state that about 94% of Egypt’s area (over one
strategies and guidelines when designing floating structures million km2) is desert. With a population approaching a hun-
for tackling the SLR challenges, to emphasize the absence of dred million, most Egyptians only inhabit the Nile valley and
global an authorised context regarding their implementation the delta which make less than 6% of Egypt’s area. The delta is
and usage. The objectives of this paper research have been: currently withdrawing because of the accelerating erosion
lengthways its shoreline. The construction of the High Dam
 To identify coastal planning strategies and mitigation solu- between 1960 and 1970 has blocked great quantity of sedi-
tions practiced in most vulnerable sites to SLR and their ments in Lake Nasser which accounts as the greatest issue
evaluation in Abu-Qir as Egypt’s most vulnerable area. for erosion in the Delta.
 To study and analyze different coastal management and Submerged coastlines are vital, specially to islands and low-
adaptation approaches executed around the world for lying areas like the Abu Qir in the Nile Delta’s region [7], as it
undertaking the SLR impacts in respect to Abu-Qir Bay. may lead to real sovereignty losses, because of the of sea bor-
 To introduce a new approach of floating community con- ders movements. Also, as for risky areas, these losses in land
cept model to function as a future reference for architects areas may lead into some countries disappearances in case of
and urban planners when designing and planning coastal island countries. The stages of SLR and Consequences [21]:
developments.
 To set architectural design guidelines for developing float-  Stage 1: SLR.
ing houses for Egypt and the Nile Delta coastline to asses  Stage 2: Land loss.
the hypothesis made on floating structures.  Stage 3: Maritime boundaries movement.
 Stage 4: Potential economic and/or sovereignty loss.
This paper well deserves careful analysis on SLR impacts,
adaptation approaches, and sustaining the coastal develop- Countries will have to spend a lot of money to tackle this
ments of Abu-Qir as it highlights the most vulnerable locations problem, to guarantee minimizing the possible economic and
and mitigation approaches practiced. The findings of this land loss. As that no country could obstruct any of the first
paper introduce floating community model and architectural two stages, they will have to delay the process form reaching
design guidelines for floating structures to demonstrate the the third stage [21]. Therefore, urban planning and develop-
benefits of VLFS as the optimum mitigation solution for tack- ment for any new and existing coastal settlements in any coun-
ling SLR impacts in some of the most vulnerable areas in the try, specially in Egypt’s Mediterranean coastline, cannot be
Nile Delta coastline and to offer a future floating structures designed for or carried out without incorporating climate
design reference for Egypt. The more the SLR, the greater change and SLR studies and analysis.
the risk on vulnerable and low-lying coastal areas around the Tolba & Saab [20] suggest that Egypt rely heavily on tradi-
world. Therefore, old fashioned and traditional land reclama- tional land reclamation solutions especially in the Nile Delta’s
tion solutions practiced by the Egyptian Shore Protection region where low-lying lands are being submerged gradually by
Authority (ESPA) should be abolished and replaced by float- SLR impacts. Architects, urban and city planners shift to land
ing structures wherever possible. The distinct sustainable and reclamation solutions to decrease the pressure on the current
flexibility features of floating buildings in settings and environ- heavily busy zones and underground areas. Wang & Tay [25]
ments makes them preferred for their various applications and state that by implementing fill materials from the seabed,
advantages. If the government applies the recommended mountains, as well as deep subsurface excavations, and con-
method derived from the outcomes of this paper, it will safe- struction wreckages, architects and urban planners are capable
guard Egypt’s coastal sovereignty for the long-term wherever to make rather an enormous and respected area from the sea.
implementation is possible. Herein this paper, authorities are Wang et al. [26] state that although land reclamation solutions
guided on what should be done to efficiently design and sustain can offer an unexpansive one, however, they only serve as tem-
costal urbanizations in the Nile Delta’s most vulnerable loca- porary solutions, as they are unsustainable to coral reefs, and
tions. The study uncovers critical impacts of SLR on costal not cost-effective in areas with large depth.
urbanizations of Abu-Qir and offers VLFS as a sustainable Distinguished researchers [2,3,13,18] propose that future
long-term adaptation solution that Egyptian researches seem SLR impacts must be undertaken over an official adaptation.
to disregard. Therefore, a new approach on adapting to SLR As stated by Suzuki et al. [19], the demand on different archi-
concerning Egypt’s Nile Delta is explored. tectural and urban planning floating applications like floating
Architectural design concept and guidelines 509

piers, floating hotels, floating fuel storage facilities, floating long-term solution for Egypt. Therefore, it analyzes floating
stadiums, floating bridges, floating airports, as well as floating structures by investigating their definition, applications,
cities have generated wide-ranging research studies throughout advantages, analysis, technological advancement, environ-
the last decades. Floating structures has advanced noticeably ment, and design considerations for floating body, mooring
through the last decades and now we have several innovative systems, breakwaters, and design. These analyses will provide
approaches planned to increase the stability, advance the the sufficient information on VLFS for Egypt’s Nile Delta.
mooring systems, and structural integrity of floating struc-
tures. As Tsaltas et al. [21] state that floating structures do 3.3. Concept development on floating structures
not work in every case, but it could still be a practical answer
in some cases for conservation of fragile ecosystems, protecting This section applies the conclusions of the previous sections of
in and offshore strategic economic activities, safeguarding bor- site analysis, mitigation solutions, and floating structures to
ders and habitats. define a floating community concept model and architectural
design guidelines for Egypt. This section generates project’s
3. Research methodology outline, design, project characteristics, superstructure, mobil-
ity, feasibility, floating structures design approach, sitting,
To achieve the objectives mentioned earlier, the study conducts local bathymetry, tides, and waves, structure and stability,
three researches using state-of-the-art data on SLR, architec- platform size, mooring system, platform formations and mod-
tural and urban planning mitigation solutions, and VLFS ular assembly, expanding dynamics and growth strategy, path-
research. ways and wave attenuators, materials for a floating community
concept for Abu-Qir.
3.1. Qualitative assessment on SLR impacts and adaptation Since there is no systematic floating structures investigation
approaches practiced has been considered in Egypt regarding tackling SLR impacts
in the Nile Delta since the government still rely on old fash-
This section conducts site analysis on Abu-Qir and coastal ioned and traditional land reclamation solutions, local guides
planning and management approaches practiced as their prop- for planning floating structures were not found. Generally,
erties provide the required knowledge for selecting the best there is an absence of global authorised context regarding their
mitigation solution for such area to test the hypothesis that implementation and usage. Therefore, basic design project
the Nile Delta coastline will eventually be submerged where standards for the floatation devices were adapted from the Bri-
land reclamation approaches and other mitigation solutions tish Columbia Float Home Standards [1]. The guidelines and
practiced only offer short-term solutions. principles for achieving a sustainable floating community con-
Nevertheless, as a result of such approach, this paper has cept for Egypt is based on McDonough & Braungart [15].
encountered some limitations which require considering. The while the archetypal structural design outline adapted from
Lack of long-term national analytical SLR scenarios, and Suzuki et al. [19] is set as shown in Fig. 1 to create a realistic
regarding the assessments [10,11], this paper tracks Egypt’s concept for the Nile Delta.
National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change and
Disaster Risk Reduction [9]. It’s mostly founded on worldwide 4. Case study analysis: Abu-Qir
climate estimates which are approved upon by the Copenhagen
Accord 2009 [22] which states that temperature will increase by 4.1. SLR impacts on Abu-Qir
2 °C maximum by the end of the 21st century. This paper
applies parameters for SLR estimates (0.5 m, 1, 1.5, 2 m sce- While there is an obvious negative impact on the Nile Delta
narios) by the end of the 21st century too. coastline due to SLR, However, it’s rather hard to measure
Furthermore, this section conducts an evaluation design such impacts with the available data on the accurate demo-
matrix on ten mitigation solutions to generate the overall eval- graphics based on the SLR scenarios, social and biophysical
uation of their features. Analysis included ten different adapta- vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, densely populated areas like
tion solutions analyzed, solutions included: building seawalls, Alexandria would be highly impacted when related to lower
raising roads, building storm-water pumps, upgrading sewage densely populated regions.
systems, using beaches as barriers, creating natural infrastruc- In 2019, the Egyptian population have reached 98.572 mil-
ture, slowing land sink-age, managed retreat, elevating houses, lion according to the Central Authority for Mobilization and
and VLFS. Mitigation solutions are analyzed through six vari- Statistics (CAPMAS). The residents of the Nile Delta littoral
ables in detail which are: descriptions, costs, durability, con- areas are assessed to be around 13.30 million, which accounts
structing time, lifespans, and their environmental impacts to for 13.5% of Egypt’s population. The Nile Delta accounts for
conclude their overall evaluations which tests the hypothesis the highest population density when compared to the neigh-
that floating structures developments may offer the optimum bouring vast areas of Sinai, the western and eastern deserts.
solution for such Abu-Qir. The most densely populated governorates are Dakahleya,
Beheira, and Alexandria when compared to the governorates
3.2. Exploratory analysis on floating structures of Kafr El-Sheikh, Damietta, and Port Said.
Previous studies which assessed SLR impacts have identi-
This section conducts analysis on floating structures to explore fied the Nile Delta region to be the most vulnerable location
if it may offer the optimum solution regarding Abu-Qir against to SLR in Egypt and one of the most vulnerable in the world
SLR impacts. This section conducts exploratory analysis to [10,11]. While further studies which are assessed through tide
investigate floating structures as a more sustainable and gauges that are mounted in Alexandria, Abu-Qir, Rosetta,
510 A.A. El-Shihy, J.M. Ezquiaga

Fig. 1 Cross sections for vulnerable coastal areas analyzed along Abu-Qir Bay showing adaptation approaches practiced and main
topographic characteristics that influence flood levels of and permanent inundation of lowlands which are caused by SLR impacts and
strong storm events (Illustration courtesy of Ahmed El-Shihy).

Burullus, Damietta, and Port Said identify Abu-Qir region to Artificial structures such as revetments, jetties, groins,
be the most vulnerable location to SLR in the Nile Delta and detached breakwaters, seawalls, and land reclamation, are con-
in Egypt. This section conducts site analysis on Abu-Qir and structed by ESPA lengthways the Nile Delta coastline have
coastal management solutions practiced as their properties multifunctional purposes, which involve either erosion man-
provide the required knowledge for selecting the best mitiga- agement, or controlling shore variations and sediment accu-
tion solution for such areas and test the hypothesis that VLFS mulation at the harbor’s entries, river distributaries, bays,
may offer the optimum solution for such vulnerable sites in the and inlets. The materials practiced for constructing such struc-
Nile Delta. tures are sandstones, basalt mounds, and concrete for either
Large ports are situated lengthways the Nile Delta coast- creating dolos or blocks.
line. Ports in Alexandria like El-Dekhiela harbor, the eastern Apart from the disastrous impacts of such traditional meth-
and western harbors and Abu-Qir Bay are the biggest and ods like ruining the aquatic environment and coral reefs, such
most jammed ports in Egypt. Such ports are sheltered by traditional solutions like land reclamation method is func-
breakwaters and levees [7]. Some fishing docks are situated tional only where water depth is shallow (max. 15–20 m)
nearby several fish landing facilities like Abu-Qir Bay and [26]. In a situation where water depth is more than the 20 m,
Burullus lagoon. henceforth the seabed would be very soft and as a result, land
The design of harbors, barriers and harbor facilities consid- reclamation solutions are no longer cost effective or even rea-
ers high waves, floods, and storm activities, to safeguard peo- sonable [21]. However, the unexpected price of land reclama-
ple, buildings, and infrastructures from SLR impacts. tion makes it understandable why such solution may look
Nevertheless, such protection approaches must be strength- very attractive for the ESPA. Egypt’s vast landscape consist
ened to sustain such ports in the future. of desert, therefore the price of sand for land reclamation
makes it such an easy decision. Not only its cost that makes
4.2. Adaptation approaches practiced in Abu-Qir it practiced in Egypt, but also being rapid, easy, and doesn’t
requiring high technology.
Coastal adaptation approaches are natural high topographies
like sand dunes or artificial barriers like seawalls, levees, and 4.3. Adaptation approaches
breakwaters are employed in the Nile Delta’s coastline. A stone
ridge of around +4 m over the mean sea level is one of eight Table 1 above conducts an evaluation design matrix on ten
coastal ridges which expand from Abu-Qir Bay to the Arab’s mitigation solutions to generate the overall evaluation of
Bay, around 100 km west of Abu-Qir Bay [5]. Therefore, the their features. Analysis included ten different adaptation
majority of Alexandria’s shoreline, a section of such ridge, is solutions analyzed which are: building seawalls, raising roads,
rather safeguarded from the anticipated SLR, excluding the building storm-water pumps, upgrading sewage systems,
lowland zones of Lake Maryut, Mandara (Fig. 1) as well as using beaches as barriers, creating natural infrastructure,
the southeastern depression. Nevertheless, areas exposed to dis- slowing land sink-age, managed retreat, elevating houses,
ruption or any gaps in the ridge are defenceless to SLR. Abu- and VLFS. Mitigation solutions are analyzed through six
Qir bay has a 1.2 km stretched seawall which was constructed variables in detail which are: descriptions, costs, durability,
in 1830 and recognized as Mohamed Aly’s Seawall (Fig. 1). constructing time, lifespans, and their environmental impacts
Such seawall is 3.5 m over the mean sea level to prevent the which conclude that floating structures could offer the best
probable SLR and high wave [5]. possible solution against SLR.
Architectural design concept and guidelines 511

Table 1 Evaluation design matrix for different types and characteristics of mitigation solutions against SLR impacts where their
impact factors conclude the potential of each.
Type Description Cost Durability Construction Lifespan Positive Impact
time environmental %
impact
Seawalls They are built on the coast. VH M M-H L L 32.5
They decrease flooding from both tides and storms.
Raising Elevating roads above sea level may help drain VH H H M M 42.5
roads water and decrease tidal floods.
Building Pumps could speed up the course of removing VH H H M-H M 42.5
storm-water water from the roads by vacuuming up flood
pumps waters and discharging it back into the sea/ocean.
Upgrading Whereas saltwater is corrosive, it could disturb H M M-L M-H M 45
sewage tanks and push sewage to spew out, which
systems outcomes in a smelly problem and other possible
health hazards.
Using Beaches and dunes could function as a natural wall H M L-M L L 37.5
beaches as that decreases the effect of storm surges plus
barriers shielding them from erosion.
Creating Natural structures like barrier islands, oyster, coral M- H M-H L-M H 52.5
natural reefs, mangroves, seagrass, and salt marshes could H
infrastructure be united with built infrastructure, to function as
seawalls, to shield from storm surges.
Slowing land Towns could decrease land sink-age by preventing H M H M-H H 37.5
sink-age additional groundwater pumping plus introducing
pilot schemes to reverse such land sink-age.
Managed Relocation. H – – – – –
retreat
Elevating Elevating houses over flood levels by using two M M M M-H L 50
houses meters high wooden stands or concrete blocks.
VLFS Artificial floating islands. M VH M-H H VH 72.5
H: High; VH: Very High; A: Moderate; L: Low; VL: Very Low.

5. Research on VLFS traditional land reclamation solution in terms of space creation

in the following aspects [19,26]:
This section conducts analysis on floating structures to explore
if it may offer the optimum solution regarding Abu-Qir. This  They’re cost effective where the water depth is considerably
section conducts exploratory analysis to investigate floating big.
structures as a more sustainable and long-term solution for Although in the case of Egypt it’s different, but the price of
Egypt. Therefore, it analyzes floating structures by investigat- imported sand for the usage of land reclamation in some
ing their applications, advantages, types, environment, moor- areas has increased remarkably and a time could arrive
ing systems, breakwaters, drifts, and design. These analyses where sand might not be even obtainable from neighbour-
would provide the sufficient information on VLFS for Egypt’s ing countries.
Nile Delta.  Ecological friendly for the conservation of fragile ecosys-
Future SLR problems to coastlines must be undertaken tems where they neither harm the maritime eco-system,
over an official adaptation (namely fixed baselines or outer nor do they silt-up deep ports or disturb the tides and sea
limits) [8,21]. Some are permitted as recognized adaptation waves.
could be through the disposition of the VLFS as a future  They are uncomplicated and fast to assemble. Different
approach not just hypothetically. Other natural phenomena’s elements and components could be manufactured at dif-
other than SLR exist like soil erosion, delta appearances, ferent dockyards and then transported to the location
annually melted ice from the oceans, which make modifica- to be assembled and thus sea-area could be exploited
tions to the shorelines, therefore highlighting the issue of por- quickly.
table or movable borderlines is essential to define a countries  They could be easily disassembled or totally withdrawn if
sea borders [8,21]. the sea space is required in the future as well as being able
of expanding where they acquire modular forms.
 The facilities and the structure of the VLFS are protected to
5.1. Advantages of floating structures
avoid harmful seismic shocks where their bases are funda-
mentally isolated.
Where floating building method don’t look like working with  They do not suffer from a settlement gap because of the
every case, but it still could be a practical answer in some cases, reclaimed soil consolidation.
however, such approach have more benefits over the old and
512 A.A. El-Shihy, J.M. Ezquiaga

 They have constant situations in consideration to the water occurs. The station system of the mega-floating structure could
surface and consequently, this enable small ships and ves- be categorized into two main approaches [25]:
sels to come along to be used as docks and ports.
 Their position in seaside waters offer an attractive form in  The chain/cable.
the water, making them an appropriate fit for future devel-  The tension leg methods.
opments related to leisure, activities and water sport events.  The pier/quay wall.
 Protecting strategic economic in and offshore actions.  The pile-type dolphins-foreguide with rubber fender system.
 Safeguarding borders and habitats like in the situations in
which the submerged area was highly important and The movements of the Mega-floating structures turn out to
unacceptable. be big where the dimension of mooring line is relatively elon-
gated [27,28]. Particularly in the case of deep seas, the tension
leg system is implemented where the pretension is enforced to
5.2. Main types of VLFS the mooring line in pursuance of preventing any motion occur-
rence. In a similar station keeping system, it is very hard to
VLFS are simply an artificial man-made island-like platform control the horizontal movements well and frequently the
that acts as a floating land on water. VLFS give the impression mooring lines encounter some substantial tension forces
of huge panels resting on the water surface. They could be [23,25,27].
roughly characterised into two types, semisubmersible and The rubber fender-dolphin method is extremely efficient in
pontoon. controlling the horizontal dislocation that may occur in the
The Semi-submersible type floating structures have an mega-floating structure. As the big size rubber fenders can
elevated platform above the sea level and that occurs due endure significant dislocations up to roughly one-third of their
to the column tubes. It’s very suitable in case of deploying spans, whereas a substantial quantity of the kinetic energy of
it in high sea levels areas with big and unexpected waves the mega-floating structure could be absorbed. The mooring
impact on the floating building and at the same time sus- system was initially implemented in Kamigoto and Shirashima
taining a constant buoyancy force. Therefore, they can islands in Japan for two floating oil storage project bases [19].
decrease the wave made movements, therefore installed in It has been implemented later in floating piers, floating termi-
areas such as high-seas that have big waves. In the case of nals, floating exhibition halls, floating emergency bases, and
the floating oil drilling platforms which are made for drilling floating bridges [23–25].
and producing oil and gas are perfect cases of the semi-
submersible-type VLFSs. When connected to the seabed 6. Floating community concept model
via vertical tethers with extremely high pretension like an
extra buoyancy for the structure, they are called tension- This section conducts a floating community model of floating
leg platforms [26]. interconnecting platforms for an expandable floating commu-
The Pontoon type floating structures rests on sea surface nity to establish architectural design guidelines for developing
like a giant plate floating on water. It is designed to be floating houses for Egypt. Abu-Qir Bay didn’t only seem as the
deployed in calm waters like bays, inlets, lagoons, lakes or har- most vulnerable areas when addressing SLR, but also the ideal
bors, and adjacent to the coastlines. Large pontoon-type float- location for floating structures regarding its depth (18.5–22)
ing structures are called Mega-Floats by the Japanese [12] and being in protected waters. Although the Manzala
engineers. Generally, these Mega-Floats are referred to VLFS Lake which lies on the eastern side of Damietta’s distributary
where at least one of its sides have length more than 60 m [26]. is in high risk to SLR, however its situation is not as critical as
Main components of VLFS are [26]: the situation in Abu-Qir Bay as well as its shallow water makes
floating structures appear not to be cost effective solution for
 The very large pontoon floating structure. such site.
 Mooring facility to make the floating structure in stay in This section applies previous conclusions of site analysis,
position. adaptation solutions, and floating structures to define a float-
 An access bridge or floating passageway to reach the float- ing community concept model for Abu-Qir Bay to analyze
ing structure from the coast. each feature. This section generates project’s outline, design,
 The breakwater (it is frequently required if wave heights project characteristics, superstructure, mobility, feasibility,
reaches more than 4 m) to decrease the wave forces which floating structures design approach, sitting, local bathymetry,
is affecting the floating structure). tides, and waves, structure and stability, platform size, moor-
ing system, platform formations and modular assembly,
expanding dynamics and growth strategy, pathways and wave
5.3. Mooring systems attenuators, materials.

The mooring system guarantees that the VLFS stay in location 6.1. Floating structures design approach
so that the facilities mounted on the VLFS constantly work,
also avoiding any drifting of the VLFS caused by the danger- The most significant objectives concluded for any site are
ous sea situations and storms. In a case where VLFS drift portability, dynamic geography, development, survival/
away, such VLFS could not only lead to possible harm to durability, security, and water life. If such features are to be
the adjacent facilities, but it also could lead to a possible loss integrated with energy and food production in any design,
of human lives, for example if a collision with boats or ships the result will be a fully self-independent community from
Architectural design concept and guidelines 513

the outside. The main objective here was to sustain Egypt’s [26]. They demonstrate to offer different elements and compo-
coastal sovereignty while offering a self-sufficient platform to nents could be manufactured at different dockyards and then
compensate for the submerged areas instead of retrieving it transported to the location to be assembled and thus sea-
by old-fashioned and traditional land reclamation solutions. area could be exploited quickly.

6.2. Sitting 6.3. Local bathymetry, tides, and waves

Although the surrounding environment [17], the public VLFS are ecological friendly for the conservation of fragile
demands, and the government officials [14] define the project ecosystems where they neither harm the maritime eco-system,
development and boundaries regarding building on water, nev- nor do they silt-up deep ports or disturb the tides and sea
ertheless, VLFS also plays a role in choosing the most suitable waves, however, some criteria should be taken into considera-
site as it may not offer the optimum solution in any site. There- tion for bathymetry, tides and currents, and wave properties
fore, site analysis is crucial for any site to create genuine, prac- (Table 2) where their properties and impacts on designing
tical, and suitable conclusions regarding the appropriate floating structures are set. Findings support the argument that
mitigation solution for each area. traditional land reclamation methods are not a practical long-
Floating structures must be designed to be able to survive term solution apart from its various disadvantages on the
not only in protected waters, but also in open waters if relocat- ecosystem. The findings provide support for the key arguments
ing is needed, however that would be unusual like in short- that VLFS are more sustainable as it offers a cost-effective
term situations such as in natural disasters. Modular platforms solution where there is a big water depth in terms of space cre-
could help in expansion strategies, movability in case of emer- ation and preserving the marine ecosystem [26]. They are
gencies, and creating ordered formations, especially since find- planned to be ecologically friendly as they don’t disturb sea
ings demonstrate that harbors appear to create traffic chaos. currents or silt-up the deep harbors of Abu-Qir and the Nile
Findings demonstrate the practicality and uncomplexity of Delta in general. Also, they could easily be detached or
VLFS as it could be assembled/disassembled easily or totally expanded as well as not getting affected by seismic shockwaves
withdrawn if their location is required in the future as well as they are characteristically remotely based. However, such
as being able of expanding where they acquire modular forms solution may does not seem to be practical in every case, nev-

Table 2 Properties and impacts of bathymetry, tides and currents, and waves on the floating structures design (Illustration courtesy of
Ahmed El-Shihy).
Factors Properties Impact on floating structures Design
Local bathymetry 0–10 m depth within 10 km from the shoreline [26]. Mooring system dimensioning will be considered an
average depth 20 m [26].
Tides and currents Cycle of tides is on average 2.5 m/day (2 cycles per The difference in height considered a mean tide of 1 m
day). Current speed from 6.0 to 6.3 s [19]. as highest wave is around 2 m. Total = 2 m circa [19].
Waves Naturally, waves heights are equivalent to half the Wave properties data are essential to get, as they have
wavelength, therefore a 200 m long wave is relatively influence the platform dimensions. Wave properties
smaller than a 100 m long wave. Usually, when waves for a certain site is always preferable in bays or inlets
of higher than 80 percent of the water depth advance than of open waters situations [25].
towards shorelines, more energy is generated, and
waves gets steeper and unsteady till they break [19].

Wave Behaviour (own

illustration).

Wave motion on structure

stress of various platform
sizes (own illustration).
514 A.A. El-Shihy, J.M. Ezquiaga

ertheless, VLFS may offer a practical solution for further areas 6.5. Platform size
when the sea level rises even more.
Platform size is subjected to social needs, functionality, site
6.4. Structure and stability properties and further aspects such as financial and structural
boundaries. The optimal size of the platforms is subjected to a
The long-term structural stability is one of the greatest chal- lot of matters, where some could be accurately measured where
lenging objectives (Fig. 2). Initially, the floating structure some others could stay hypothetical. Findings show that opti-
must be appropriate for the sea-site. Facilities and the struc- mum platform size varies between 45 and 75 m for structural
ture of the VLFS should be protected to avoid harmful seis- stability and safety purposes [19]. Herein the platform size of
mic shocks where their bases are fundamentally isolated. 50 m a side was set for interconnecting characteristics as
They do not suffer from a settlement gap because of the demonstrated in Fig. 3. Platform to wave-induced motion at
reclaimed soil consolidation. They have constant situations various platform sizes and stress outcome on structure see
regarding water surface, hence, this enable small ships and Table 2.
vessels to come along to be used as docks and ports. VLFS
also demonstrate to protect strategic economic in and off- 6.6. Mooring system
shore actions as well as safeguarding borders and habitats
like in the situations in which the submerged area was highly Findings from site analysis and mooring system research con-
important and unacceptable. clude that the dolphin system to be the most suitable for

Fig. 2 Factors influencing the size of VLFS platform (Illustration courtesy of Ahmed El-Shihy).
Architectural design concept and guidelines 515

growing while only using the hexagonal modules while the

squared modules can only expand in linear way.

6.8. Expanding dynamics and growth strategy

Characteristics of Abu-Qir Bay in terms of its protected water,

population, water depth (18.5–22), and wave properties makes
VLFS as the optimum solution for such area. Being in pro-
tected waters means shielding from high waves as well as being
able to expand since it won’t be bounded by the breakwater.
Therefore, modular platforms would be the way to expand
and being nearby the coasts helps in emergency cases and
transporting goods and people in and out (Table 3). Although
Lake Manzala in Damietta is in protected water and have bet-
ter wave properties in comparison to Abu-Qir Bay, however
water depth is extremely shallow (1.2–1.5 m) and its popula-
tion makes floating structures solution appear not to be cost
effective approach for such site.

6.9. Pathways and wave attenuators

Pathways are frequently attached to the floating building to

the coastline and especially that in urbanized areas are gener-
ally very well attached to the neighbouring traffic system.
Pathways of floatation ability are required for the gap space
from coast to the floating community as it requires mooring
to the seabed. Global common safety procedures require float-
ing buildings to have emergency vehicles routes to the location
and close to the building.

6.10. Materials

The selected materials (concrete, steel, and composite materi-

als) are analyzed in terms of maintenance, cost, weight, and
stability. The analysis shows that concrete is the optimum
Fig. 3 Foundation structure of the floating platform (Illustra- selection in terms of maintenance, cost, and stability [15].
tion courtesy of Ahmed El-Shihy). However, steel is better only in terms of weight, while showing
superiority over composites regarding its cost. Nevertheless,
Egypt’s Nile Delta coasts since such mooring system is best composites have emerged a great material in terms of mainte-
implemented where there are no docks, or any coastline nance and weight, however, it could be only implemented in
attached structure so that the floating structure could stay in high budget projects (possibly by the private sector). Concrete
position. is regularly practiced in marine developments, like in underwa-
ter tunnels, offshore and subsea facilities. Some marine pro-
6.7. Platform formations and modular assembly jects have practiced underwater concrete which have since
existed over than 50 years [16]. Although regarding durability
Modular structural interconnected modules have a blend of and stability concrete has high-pressure strength, nevertheless
several positive matters. Since the project is aimed for the pro- it has low-tensile one. The biggest disadvantage in using con-
tected water of Abu-Qir Bay, so integrating breakwater which crete is the steel reinforced which is implanted inside the con-
surrounds the community was not required for expansions as crete structure to offer a better tensile strength, although such
demonstrated in Table 3. However, breakwater was offered material could rust. Thus, the appropriate concrete coating
in case of relocating to deep seas is required as the floating thickness is required to preserve the steel is unaffected. Such
community must be designed to be able to survive not only process has great impact on concrete structures weights.
in protected waters, but also in open waters where that would Lately, further supporting elements are implemented like
be infrequently and only short-term in natural disasters fibers, for instance the Engineered Cementitious Composite
situations. (ECC) and the Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC). In platforms,
Two floating models were designed, pentagonal and implementing non-corrosive materials may offer huge pro-
squared modules (Table 3) have offered some more organic gresses regarding resilience, mass and usage. On the other
freedom of design. The hexagonal and square design platform hand, composites have emerged a great material in terms of
designs have offered the overall perfect combination solution, maintenance and weight, however, it could be implemented
where it offered a straight-roads achievement, a reliable and in high budget projects which will be mainly by the private
more durable solution, as well as being able to continue sector.
516 A.A. El-Shihy, J.M. Ezquiaga

Table 3 Units Assembly Proposals of both Modules showing the harbor, wave attenuators, and master-plan options proposed
(Illustrations courtesy of Ahmed El-Shihy).
Platform model Platforms assembled to one unit Unites united assembled to one great unit (city-scale)
(district/neighborhood)

One hexagonal floating platform Six hexagonal models assembled to Master-Plan ‘B’ showing the independency of the
create a district/neighborhood. hexagonal platform from the square one, also showing
the breakwater around the united platforms.
Hosting 480–600 residents. Hosting 2880–3600 residents. Hosting 11,520–14,400 residents.

One squared floating platform Five squared models assembled to Squared model doesn’t need a specific platform number
create a district/neighborhood. to create a city-scale.
Hosting 256–320 residents. Dependable. Dependable.

Hexagonal and squared platforms Six hexagonal models and Five Master-Plan ‘A’ where hexagonal and square platforms
interlocking together for further expansion squared models assembled to create a are assembled together.
as a dynamic growth strategy. district/neighborhood.
– Hosting 4416–5520 residents. Hosting 19,200–24,000 residents.

7. Architectural design guidelines for building on water in the  The findings demonstrate that the most significant objec-
Nile Delta tives for any site are portability, dynamic geography, devel-
opment, survival/durability, security, and water life. If such
features are to be integrated with energy and food produc-
Architectural design of floating structures against SLR
tion in any design, the result will be a fully self-independent
impacts rely on various aspects, such as the existing infrastruc-
community from the outside.
ture, capitals, expertise, data and the level of reasonable distri-
 Floating structures must be designed to be able to survive
bution of resources. The results of this paper suggest the
not only in protected waters, but also in open waters if relo-
following architectural design guidelines when designing float-
cating is needed, however that would be unusual like in
ing structures in the Nile Delta:
short-term situations such as in natural disasters.
Architectural design concept and guidelines 517

 Findings show that modular platforms could help in expan- made on the Nile Delta coastline that it will eventually be sub-
sion strategies, movability in case of emergencies, and creat- merged and that land reclamation approaches practiced only
ing ordered formations, especially since findings offer short-term solutions. However, VLFS assessment and
demonstrate that harbors appear to create traffic chaos. site analyses made do not fully support floating structures as
 Design strategy could help achieving self-sufficiency if the the optimum solution in every case in Abu-Qir Bay in terms
design considers integrating sustainable approaches of cost effectiveness and site suitability. Nevertheless, upon site
[4,14,17] for achieving natural lightening, ventilation sys- analysis, floating structures has presented itself to be the best
tem, waste flow system, and water recycling system in the solution for Abu-Qir bay for many reasons but most impor-
superstructure design. tantly for its depth, wave properties, being in protected waters,
 Platform size is subjected to peoples’ needs, functionality, and its connectivity to main land.
site properties and further aspects such as financial and The contribution to the papers in this paper are: redefining
structural boundaries. However, the optimum platform size the means of SLR, analysing practices of various mitigation
recommended varies between 45 and 75 m for structural solutions and updating data concerning SLR impacts on
stability and safety purposes. Abu-Qir; developing a new prospective for tackling SLR
 The dolphin system to be the most suitable for Egypt’s Nile impacts on the Nile Delta; advancing in the architectural design
Delta coasts since such mooring system is best implemented methodology framework of self-sustaining and expanding
where there are no docks, or any coastline attached struc- floating communities; establishing architectural design guideli-
ture so that the floating structure could stay in position. nes for constructing floating structures for Egypt; and present-
 Mooring system dimensioning will be considered an aver- ing two architectural models of floating interconnecting
age depth 20 m. The difference in height considered a mean platforms for an expandable floating community for the Nile
tide of 1 m as highest wave is around 2 m. Total = 2 m Delta. Hence, this study advances our understanding the float-
circa. Wave properties data are essential to get, as they have ing structures for undertaking SLR challenges in Egypt as the
influence the platform dimensions. Wave properties for a most vulnerable locations were high-lightened as well as pre-
certain site is always preferable in bays or inlets than of senting the required architectural design guidelines and floating
open waters situations. concept proposals for future references. The results of this
 Pathways of floatation ability are required for the gap space paper should not be generalized in any low-lying coastal area
from coast to the floating community as it requires mooring impacted by SLR in Egypt or anywhere. However, in an area
to the seabed. Global common safety procedures require with similar site and climate characteristics, wave properties,
floating buildings to have emergency vehicles routes to the and the appropriate water depth, floating structures would pre-
location and close to the building. sent itself as the optimum solution especially in terms of cost
 In platforms, implementing non-corrosive materials may effectiveness and sustainability like in the case of Abu-Qir
offer huge progresses regarding resilience, mass and usage. Bay. Therefore, the floating community concept per say should
Concrete is the optimum selection in terms of maintenance, not be observed as a precise demonstration for a future floating
cost, and stability. Although regarding durability and sta- community module, but somewhat a blend of probable future
bility concrete has high-pressure strength, nevertheless it factors to guide the future seaside area developments in which
has low-tensile one. The biggest disadvantage in using con- floating community projects could be well-thought-out rather
crete is the steel reinforced which is implanted inside the than the costly land recuperation solution.
concrete structure to offer a better tensile strength, although Whereas future studies at all scales are needed like from a
such material could rust. local to regional scale assessments, however, complications
 Establishing rules and guidelines for coastal management beyond the 21st century must not be disregarded. Developing
and integrating the adaptation approaches like floating sustainable coastal management and architectural design
structures against SLR impacts. Including SLR impacts in strategies are required in Egypt. Coastal planning and manage-
the framework of the Environmental Impact Assessment ment should be enlarged to incorporate all climate impactors
(EIA) as well as the Strategic Impact Assessment (SEA). in any coastal region. To conclude, any architectural design
Establishing restrictions and binding regulations when pro- approach for tackling SLR impacts must consider also other
viding licences for drilling wells for extracting groundwater non-climate factors to understand other possible effects and
in littoral areas [7,17]. behaviours, particularly regarding human impacts and adapta-
 Involving floating structure approaches and policies to both tion objectives, as such issues commonly worsen climate
climate change and SLR in national development strategies change impacts.
[4,7].
 Improving the public awareness, and scientific research, and
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