Projects
Repairs to the CEP - 102, are complete. Replacement of approxiamately 521 LF of Seawall, 70% of the tie rods of the waler system, improved drainage system, should improve the bulkhead and last for years. Deterioration of the concrete pile bulkhead system began to take it's toll on the praking structures, and structural stability of the entire bulkhead between Piers 1 and 3. "Multiple tie rod failures and voids under the concrete caps had begun to create failures, in the parking lots, and sidewalks all along the waterfront. Some 2,000LF of tie rod repairs are complete", improved drainage systems are in place, and shoud provide years of service to the US Navy. "This was a challenging project, everytime we put a shovel in the ground we found bad tie rods and deteriorating structures. We worked side by side with Naval Engineers, and KRW Engineering (Structural Energineers), to repair differing and challenging replacement scenerios." Precon Marine worked with the Navy staff, LTJG Shannon Wright, LT Brian Crystal, Ed Thiesz, and Robert Parks, to make this project a sucess. There were so many complex issues which had to be resolved on this project, that at times seemed overwhelming. However through a partnership with the Navy, we were able to overcome all the obsticles thrown our way.
An entire new seawall concrete bulkhead was provided by a sheetpile waler system along the southern end of the project, near Pier 1. The challenge here was provided by a decomposed bulkhead that the waler system was to be anchored into. Over 1500 Tons of rip rap, and 14,000SF of articulated concrete filled mat, provided stabilization to the new bulkhead. "I think we repaired every tie rod in this area, they were in bad shape". Replacement of the bulkhead then was done as per plans, and we topped the whole work area off with a new layer of asphault.
The fender pile system, consisting of 130 18" Concrete Fender pile, had it's own challenges. Concrete rubble previously placed provided an obsticle which needed to be addressed to install the pile, which were designed to provide a flexible barrier between ships and barges and protect the bulkhead and relieving platform. Removal of old timber pile systems was easily done compared to all the other items we ran into.
Shotcrete repairs were done along areas were the old bulkhead remained. A higher than normal tide, created another challenge to Precon Marine and its workers. Working around the clock at all hours to catch the right tide had to be done. Forman Robert Haddock and his crew did an admiral job demolishing and repairig areas deteriorated over the years.
The area between Piers 2 and 3, Work Area 2, was the most heavily deteriorated area of the site. Voids underneath the concrete cap, crated large sink holes in the parking lot, and helped corrode nearly all 96 tie rods in the area. Working with E. Thiesz and Kevin Roomsburg staff, we came up with two repair scenerios, Type 4 Repairs would have us to chip away old concrete cap in search of viable welding surface to repair the tie rods. Holes were cored through the concrete cap, and flowable fill was installed to fill voids, which the tide was working through to deteriorate the entire system. Placement of 499 LF of new seawall, and replacement of the drainage system in this work area, completed the process, and new asphalut was installed to complete this work area. New concrete sidewalk and curb was installed, and new wiring to the parking lot lights was provided.
Work Area 1, North of Pier 3 also had its issues. Here we had to replace tie rods in a grid reaching from the Pier entrance and around the corner to provide stability to the area. Large voids were evident here as well, and were handled by installation of pressurized grouting systems and lowable fill. New cleats and cleat foundations were installed in the area, and 6 pile had to be cut, shortened to provide avenues were boat can tie off to the new cleats. Scheduling work in this area was a huge challenge, this pier is the sub pier, and getting full access to the area was indeed a challenge.
Due to all the challenges the contract was extended by 8 months, and additional monies were sought by modifying work items to be done, and Precon Marine's willingness to work with the engineers to come up with efficient and unique approaches to the challenges of the project. Over 29 change orders, and 17 Modifications were involved in the project.Each one scrutinized and negotiated with the Naval Staff, to save money so that the project could be funded to its completion, and the structural integrity of the bulkhead could be accomplished.
Precon Marine staff: Project Manager: M.Scott Rupe, Project Superintendent: Randy Ainsley, QC Manager: Caroline Beale, Project Foreman: Robert Haddock.