Use of data during different project stages

7 Use of data during different project stages Pre-construction stage 

Prior to the design and construction of the reclamation works, all data sources available in the project area need to be explored and collected. A review of the collected or available data will provide insight into the specific physical site conditions and will serve as input to planning and design studies of the dredging and reclamation works. 

In the pre-construction stage data from similar and/or nearby projects can be used as desk study. But not only data, also the experience of these projects (what went well and what went wrong) can be used to identify project risks in an early stage. 

Before the data can be apphed in design formulae and/or numerical or physical modelling tools, the data will require proper quality control and dedicated analyses (e.g., to determine trends and extreme statistics). The data analysis may also show that the available data sources are unreliable, incomplete or insufficient. If so, it may be decided to collect additional data by means of field surveys and/ or data purehase in combination with numerical modelling. Numerical modelling can also be applied to determine the operational site conditions for use in planning the reclamation works. 

The required detail, duration and type of data that is relevant to dredging and reclamation projects depends on the location of the project and the stage the project is in. For instance, a coastal reclamation project in its design stage requires different data sets than long-term monitoring of the effects of a recent reclamation project in a river. 

---