Nusantara Civil Engineering Journal
Vol 5 No 1 (2026): Nusantara Civil Engineering Journal (January - June 2026)

Forensic Investigation of the Steel Pile Pipe of the Mahakam Dolphin After Collision Using Side Scan Sonar and Bathymetry

Novia Safitri (Politeknik Negeri Samarinda)
Aco Wahyudi Efendi (Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakata, Indonesia)
Muh Yusuf (AWEfendi Geostruk Indonesia)
Irwan Faisal Luzan (AWEfendi Geostruk Indonesia)
Azan Zubran (AWEfendi Geostruk Indonesia)
Nova Amelia Putri (DIV Teknologi Rekayasa Konstruksi Jalan dan Jembatan Politeknik Negeri Balikpapan)
Amran (AWEfendi Geostruk Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 May 2026

Abstract

The Mahakam River in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, is a critical maritime transportation route with high vessel traffic, increasing the risk of collisions with bridge protection structures like dolphins. This study presents a forensic investigation into the position and shape of steel pile pipes of the Mahakam Dolphin after a collision incident, employing integrated bathymetric and side scan sonar surveys. Conducted in April 2026, the survey utilized Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 62SV and GT52HW-TM transducers for bathymetry, alongside side scan sonar for high-resolution underwater imaging. Results revealed a compact debris field of collapsed steel pile pipes and pilecap, covering approximately 500 m² with an average thickness of 1.5 m. Bathymetric data indicated significant riverbed alterations, including scouring and sedimentation patterns. The debris distribution analysis confirmed minimal dispersion due to low current velocities, posing navigation risks and potential structural instability to adjacent bridge piers. The study underscores the efficacy of combined geophysical techniques in post-collision forensic assessments and recommends relocating the dolphin structure to a debris-free zone. These findings provide actionable insights for maritime infrastructure management and collision impact mitigation

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

nuce

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture

Description

Nusantara Civil Engineering Journal is the open-access peer-reviewed journal of civil engineering and environment. This journal is published by the Department of Civil Engineering, Balikpapan State Polytechnics, it has scopes and focuses in: 1. Road & Bridge Construction 2. Transportation System 3. ...