Experts in Coastal and Hydro-Environmental Engineering

We provide smart engineering solutions to complex challenges where water meets nature, people, and infrastructure.

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Coasts and Estuaries

Rivers and Channels

Lakes and Reservoirs

Water Resources

Erosion and Sediment Transport

Hydraulic Design

About us

Get to know us

We are a consulting company, specialized in Hydraulic, Maritime, Coastal, Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering. Together with our associated partners, we make up a multidisciplinary professional team that enable us to tackle the challenges that the interaction of water, infrastructure and the environment present us. We pride ourselves in providing a service of excellence, using cutting-edge technologies, tools and methodologies to find smart, simple and effective solutions for our clients.

The Team

José Beyá Marshall - Civil Engineer

José Beyá Marshall

BEng (Hons equiv), PEng (Civil-Hydr-Env), MEng, CPEngNZ, IntPE

  • Civil Engineer, Hydraulics, Sanitary and Environmental - Universidad de Chile.
  • Master of Engineering - University of New South Wales, Australia.
  • Chartered Professional Engineer, New Zealand.
  • International Professional Engineer/ APEC Engineer.

José has more than 20 years of experience in hydraulic, maritime and environmental engineering, studies, physical and numerical modeling, design, oceanographic measurements, technical direction and expert advisor, undergraduate and postgraduate university lecturing, project management and research - in Chile, Australia and New Zealand.

Ignacio Beyá Marshall - Civil Engineer

Ignacio Beyá Marshall

BEng, PEng (Civil-Hydr-Env), MASc

  • Civil Engineer, Hydraulics, Sanitary and Environmental - Universidad de Chile.
  • Master of Applied Sciences in Engineering - University of Victoria, Canada.
  • Specialization courses from the Water Resources and Environment Masters Programme (4) - Universidad de Chile.

Ignacio has more than 14 years of experience in hydraulic, coastal, maritime, water resources, sediment transport, physical and numerical modeling, oceanographic measurements and environmental data analysis in Chile and Canada.

What Our Client Says

... A very positive experience ...

"Working with IHBEYA was a very positive experience for me. They quickly understood the issue and began work immediately upon contract execution. I particularly valued their commitment to gaining a thorough understanding of the site, beginning with an on-site visit and reconnaissance. From that point, the project progressed efficiently, requiring only a limited number of discussions. The project was well managed and executed efficiently. I would be happy to work together again on future projects."

Bilyana Podrumac - Project Manager Water Utilities for a District Council in New Zealand

... Breezed through reviews.

"IHBEYA was referred to us as a company that was aligned to Council best practices. They were very helpful and understood the scope of works for the report we needed to satisfy Council. Easy to deal with, keeping us informed along the way with costings and timing. Last minute changes were easily dealt with and the finished report breezed through reviews. Highly recommend IHBEYA."

Campbell Lee – Project Manager – Rural Urban Surveyors Ltd

Services

Find out how we can help you

Coasts and Estuaries

  • Wave modelling.
  • Wave and tidal energy quantification.
  • Coastal hydrodynamic 2D and 3D modelling, flow patterns, seiches, resonance, and long waves.
  • Coastal and tsunami flooding.
  • Sea level rise, storm surge and tidal studies.
  • Scour, erosion and sediment transport in beaches.
  • Stratified flows, buoyant and dense plumes and gravity flows.
  • Water quality, pollutants and tracer dispersion modelling.
  • Engineering design of ports and coastal structures.

Rivers and Channels

  • Hydraulic and hydrology of rivers and channels.
  • River flood modelling.
  • Dam break modelling.
  • Scour, erosion and sediment transport in rivers and channels.
  • Water quality, pollutant and tracer dispersion modelling.
  • Engineering design of river and channel works.

Lakes and Reservoirs

  • Hydrodynamic and water quality modelling in lakes and reservoirs.
  • Flow patterns, seiches, resonance and long waves.
  • Stratified flows, buoyant and dense plumes and gravity currents.
  • Water quality, pollutant and tracer dispersion modelling.
  • Scour, erosion and sediment transport in lakes and reservoir margins.
  • Wave modelling in lakes.
  • Engineering design of lake and reservoir structures.

Water Resources and Irrigation

  • Multipurpose water management and optimization.
  • Hydrology.
  • Design of irrigation structures and systems.

Selected Projects

Explore a selection of our projects

Estuarine-Coastal Stabilization for Improved Navigability

3D Contaminant Dispersion Assessment in River–Estuary–Fjord System

Flood Hazard Assessment

Flood Hazard Assessment

Design of Coastal and Flood Defences

Performance Assessment of Flood Protection Assets

River Geomorphology and Hydrogeology Assessments

Optimization of Industrial Outfalls and Diffuser Systems

+ Scientific Publications

Contact

Let us know how we can help you

info@ihbeya.com

Chile - Canada - New Zealand

Estuarine-Coastal Stabilization for Improved Navigability Part of our team participated in a pre-feasibility study commissioned by Chile’s Ministry of Public Works to improve navigability at the Tubul River mouth, a highly dynamic estuarine system critical for local fishing activities. The site is characterized by strong interactions between tides, waves, river flows, and sediment transport, resulting in frequent channel instability and sandbar migration. The study integrated hydrological, hydrodynamic, wave, and morphodynamic analyses using state-of-the-art numerical tools (SWAN, TELEMAC-2D, TOMAWAC, and GAIA), supported by satellite imagery to reconstruct historical inlet migration and sandbar evolution. Multiple stabilization and channelization alternatives were evaluated under combined scenarios of river discharge, tides, and medium to storm wave conditions. Based on performance in terms of navigability, morphodynamic stability, and hydraulic safety, a preferred alternative was selected and further optimized to enhance robustness under extreme events and future climate conditions.
3D Contaminant Dispersion Assessment for Aquaculture Effluents in a River–Estuary–Fjord System IHBEYA carried out a contaminant dispersion assessment for a fish farming facility located in a riverine system discharging into a downstream estuary and fjord in Chile. The study aimed to characterize the transport, dilution, and potential impact areas of effluents under realistic hydrodynamic and environmental conditions. The analysis was performed using the TELEMAC-MASCARET 3D modelling suite, integrating river discharge, tidal dynamics, salinity and temperature stratification, and contaminant transport processes. Simulations covered the full continuum from upstream the river outfall through the estuary and into the fjord, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of dispersion patterns under different forcing conditions. Model results provided quantitative insights into contaminant pathways, concentration levels, and zones of influence, supporting environmental impact assessment, regulatory compliance, and decision-making for sustainable aquaculture operations.
Flood Hazard Assessment Our client required a flood hazard assessment to define finished floor levels on their 7 lot subdivision. For this, we developed a rain-on-grid 2D hydraulic model to assess. There was concern raised by council about flooding from a main river running close to the site and the effects of the drainage scheme and culverts in the area. Our assessment helped determining finished floor levels, proved that the flood hazard (based on depth and velocity) was low, and that negative effects on adjacent properties were less than minor even under conservative future scenarios.
Flood Hazard Assessment Our client, a district council in New Zealand, required a flood hazard assessment to evaluate the viability and floor levels for new infrastructure required for a water plant located next to stopbanks along a main river. Cyclone Gabrielle had wreak havoc recently producing flooding on site and stopbank damage nearby. We developed a complex 2D rain-on-grid hydraulic modelling and detailed river hydrology to define the flood hazard classification for 2 potential sites for the upgrades. An interesting addition to this project was the development of stopbank overtopping and breach scenarios.
Design of Coastal and Flood Defences Our client, the Thames-Coromandel District Council, required concept designs for coastal and flood defences at several locations for the initial adaptation pathways identified in their Shoreline Management Plan. Our reports containing option analysis, layout and typical cross section drawings, material quantities, project capital costing and life-cycle costing, are informing communities and making funding decisions for the implementation of the defences.
Performance Assessment of Flood Protection Assets Our client, the Thames-Coromandel District Council, required concept designs for coastal and flood defences at several locations for the initial adaptation pathways identified in their Shoreline Management Plan. Our reports containing option analysis, layout and typical cross section drawings, material quantities, project capital costing and life-cycle costing, are informing communities and making funding decisions for the implementation of the defences.
River Geomorphology and Hydrogeology Assessments We carried out an extensive literature review and data collection to understand the site. We designed river cross section surveys, sediment size and water level measurement campaigns, analysed all the data and carried out hydraulic and sediment transport modelling to provide an assessment of the environmental effects of the proposed activity. Our results will be used to determine sustainable in-stream gravel extraction rates, design a monitoring programme and prove that the effects on groundwater quantity of the floodplain extraction are less than minor.
Hydraulic Optimization of Industrial Outfalls and Diffuser Systems IHBEYA conducted a study to optimize the liquid industrial waste (RILes) outfall system for fish processing facility in Tomé, located within the Concepción Bay—a highly sensitive marine environment characterized by complex seasonal hydrodynamics. While the existing system already met current environmental standards, the project aimed to enhance dilution efficiency and minimize the mixing zone through advanced diffuser design. The study integrated hydraulic and oceanographic analyses to evaluate multiple outfall extension and discharge configurations. Using numerical modeling (Visual Plumes), the performance of various diffuser geometries—varying port number, diameter, and vertical discharge angles—was simulated under stratified summer and winter scenarios. These simulations accounted for critical environmental variables, including ambient currents, salinity gradients, and thermal stratification, to ensure robust performance across all seasonal conditions. Four placement alternatives were rigorously assessed. The evaluation prioritized a balance between near-field dilution rates, hydraulic head requirements, and construction feasibility. The final optimized design results showed dilution improvements of up to 113% in summer and 151% in winter conditions compared to the baseline, providing a technically robust and cost-effective solution that enhances the facility's environmental performance and long-term operational sustainability.