NASA Kennedy Space Center Dune Restoration, Brevard County, Florida
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Project Objective

As part of a multidisciplinary team, Geosyntec provided engineering design services to restore approximately 3.7 miles of beaches and sand dunes at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Kennedy Space Center. Work was conducted on an accelerated schedule.

Scope of Services

Geosyntec practitioners assessed the post-Hurricane Matthew (2016) dune conditions, developed a dune design, prepared drawings and specifications, and provided construction administration services. To develop the dune placement design, we performed SBEACH numerical modeling, volumetric analyses, and three-dimensional surface analyses of conditions after Hurricane Matthew. The dune restoration repairs the dune breach and reinforces the current dunes to withstand a significant storm while minimizing impacts to wetlands within the dune strand.

Geosyntec prepared the construction drawings and specifications for the project to NASA design standards. The specifications address sand quality and establish performance criteria for the uses of multiple upland sand mines as source material. In total, the project includes dune construction of more than 3.6 miles with an approximate volume of 400,000 cubic yards of beach compatible material.

Notable Accomplishments

In addition to dune design, the project required significant consultation regarding regulated and listed species including turtles, beach mice, and gopher tortoises. The project also included removal of derelict railroad infrastructure within the limits of the dune design.

During the construction phase, Geosyntec provided additional design engineering services, including SBEACH modeling, construction drawing revisions, and attendance at review meetings and site visits.

Note: At the time of this project, Geosyntec practitioners were contracted as ATM, which was acquired by Geosyntec.