in2Dredging
(i2D) is pleased to be attending the PIANC Asia Pacific Conference 2026, taking
place from 25 – 27 August 2026 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition
Centre.
Connecting and Sharing at PIANC APAC 2026
PIANC APAC brings together engineers, planners, scientists and researchers from across the Asia-Pacific region. The conference provides a platform to share knowledge and developments in ports, harbours and maritime infrastructure. This year’s conference theme is “Connecting and Sharing – Oceania and Asia-Pacific Neighbours”. It provides a great opportunity to exchange practical experience and new ideas across the industry.
We are particularly excited that two members of the i2D team will be presenting technical papers at PIANC APAC 2026. They will share recent developments in dredging engineering and reclamation modelling. Both presentations will take place on Wednesday, 26 August, during Session 3B: Dredging and Reclamation, from 2.20 pm to 3 pm.
Bulk Density & Consolidation of Cohesive Fines in Reclamation Basins
Presented by Simon Burgmans — i2D Director & Principal Dredging Engineer
Simon is the founder of in2Dredging (i2D) and has more than 20 years of international dredging engineering experience. He combines technical expertise with extensive practical knowledge of dredging methods, performance and project delivery.
Simon’s paper addresses a common challenge in hydraulic reclamation projects. It focuses on predicting the behaviour of fine sediments that accumulate within sedimentation basins and downstream containment areas. These deposits initially have very low bulk densities and can undergo substantial self-weight consolidation. Reliable estimates of their volume and density are therefore important for basin sizing, settlement predictions and reclamation planning.
The paper presents a physically based approach to predicting the bulk density and consolidation behaviour of hydraulically placed fines. The approach combines laboratory‑derived material relationships with one-dimensional vertical large-strain consolidation modelling. It provides an alternative to conventional empirical bulking factors and a practical application of reclamation modelling.
The modelling demonstrates how density varies with both depth and time as self-weight consolidation progresses. This provides a more robust basis for estimating sedimentation basin capacity, settlement behaviour and the timeframe before reclaimed areas become suitable for construction. This approach to sedimentation modelling can support more informed planning and design for hydraulic reclamation projects.
Estimating Solid Retention & Overflow Losses in Hopper Dredgers
Presented by Mercedes Cornejo – Dredging Engineer
Mercedes’ paper focuses on the development of a practical numerical model for estimating solid retention and overflow losses during hopper loading. It demonstrates another practical application of advanced numerical modelling.
The model represents the hopper as a one-dimensional vertical system and simulates the key processes governing sediment behaviour during loading. These include sediment inflow, hindered settling, vertical transport, bed formation and the removal of suspended sediment through the overflow.
The model predicts concentration profiles, bed growth and cumulative mass balance throughout the loading cycle. These predictions can be used to assess production efficiency and determine effective overflow duration. They can support dredging production estimation, while also providing a time-dependent sediment source term that can be used for environmental plume modelling.
The approach has been developed as part of the i2D modelling series and implemented in production estimation tools used in practice. By balancing physical representation with computational efficiency, the approach is suitable for planning, tendering and operational decision-making. It is particularly useful for dredging production estimation and operational dredging engineering.
See you in Brisbane
Dredging and reclamation is one of the key technical themes of PIANC APAC 2026. Other themes include port planning and engineering, environmental management, technological advancements and the clean energy transition.
We look forward to catching up with clients, colleagues and others across the dredging, ports and maritime community in Brisbane. It will also be a great opportunity to share our latest developments in dredging engineering and reclamation modelling.
PIANC APAC 2026
25 – 27 August 2026
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia
Find out more about PIANC APAC 2026