Many types of structure are subject to maritime conditions, and construction and maintenance of coastal structures is a major part of the construction workload of any country bordering the sea. This book is a comprehensive source of information for all who are concerned with the commissioning, design, construction or maintenance of concrete structures in or near the sea.

As well as describing the nature of the marine environment and the effects of man-made structures on the behaviour of the sea, this books deals with hydraulic design, the material properties of concrete and the design and specification of structures for coastal environments. The deterioration of concrete in coastal structures is usually a result of lack of durability rather than overloading, so much of the book has been directed towards the production of durable structures. British standards and other standards and codes from around the world are discussed, along with the planning of construction works under coastal conditions, and the maintenance of coastal structures.

All of the chapters were written specially for this book by practising engineers with specialised knowledge and wide experience of coastal engineering. As most of the authors have been responsible for work in many parts of the world, this book is relevant regardless of where coastal structures are situated.