The Serpentine Water Control Structure is a critical infrastructure project designed to replace an existing, century-old structure that is seismically vulnerable and inadequate for projected sea level rise. This new watertight concrete structure, spanning the Serpentine River, serves multiple crucial functions:

  • Flood Protection: Provides essential flood protection for the Surrey Lowlands.
  • Tidal Fluctuation Management: Limits tidal influences within the Serpentine River.
  • Gravity Drainage: Facilitates the natural flow of the Serpentine River into Boundary Bay during low tide periods.
  • Enhanced Infrastructure: Incorporates a pedestrian bridge with limited access for maintenance vehicles, necessitating adherence to relevant bridge design codes.

The primary objective was to develop a robust and resilient water control structure that meets current and future environmental demands while ensuring public safety and operational efficiency.

My Role & Responsibilities

As a key member of the design team, I was tasked with the development of comprehensive design criteria for the new Serpentine Water Control Structure. My responsibilities centered on meticulous review and synthesis of diverse technical documentation to establish a solid foundation for the subsequent design phases.

My specific actions included:

  • Client Requirements Analysis: I initiated the process by conducting a thorough review of the detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) to precisely understand the client’s objectives and specific requirements for this critical infrastructure project.
  • Regulatory Code Compliance: I meticulously examined the existing building code, focusing on relevant sections and provisions applicable to water control structures. This ensured that the design criteria would align with all mandated safety and performance standards.
  • Specialized Code Integration: Recognizing the inclusion of a pedestrian bridge with maintenance vehicle access, I performed a comprehensive review of the CSA S6 Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code. This allowed me to identify and incorporate additional specific requirements pertinent to bridge safety and functionality.
  • Interdisciplinary Coordination: I analyzed technical reports from various disciplines, including geotechnical, process mechanical, and electrical engineering. This cross-disciplinary review was crucial for identifying potential structural implications and ensuring seamless integration of all project components.
  • Documentation and Synthesis: Based on the gathered information, I synthesized the key findings into a well-structured design criteria document. This document served as the definitive guide for both the client and the internal project team, ensuring alignment on design objectives, standards, and critical considerations.

Key Deliverables & Outcomes

My focused efforts in reviewing and consolidating a wide array of technical documents directly contributed to the project’s early success and set a clear path for the design phase.

  • Comprehensive Design Criteria Document: The primary deliverable was a robust and meticulously researched design criteria document. This foundational document was formally accepted by the client and the project team.
  • Early Conflict Identification: My proactive approach to document review enabled the early identification of potential conflicts between different design aspects and regulatory requirements. This foresight was instrumental in mitigating risks and ensuring smoother project progress.
  • Alignment of Stakeholders: The clarity and thoroughness of the design criteria fostered a shared understanding and alignment among all stakeholders, including the client and various engineering disciplines.
  • Foundation for Successful Design: The established design criteria provided a clear and technically sound basis for the subsequent detailed design phase, significantly contributing to the project’s overall objectives of safety, resilience, and functionality.

This foundational work ensured that the project proceeded with a unified vision and a clear understanding of all technical and regulatory requirements, directly impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of the design process.