Rehabilitation of Navy Pier: Facility Modernization and Extension of Service Life, San Diego Unified Port District, San Diego, California

Navy Pier, a 68 year-old facility owned by the San Diego Unified Port District (District), is a hybrid structure comprised of a mole pier and concrete marginal wharf. The facility supports the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, home of the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier. The District was seeking to address a number of long-term maintenance issues with a limited availability of funds. The conditions and solutions included: - Settlement. Settlement of pile-supported mole perimeter retaining wall. As a result of marine borer-damage to timber piling, soil had migrated from behind and beneath the retaining wall with resultant pavement subsidence. A jet grouting program was introduced below the retaining wall to restore support and eliminate soil loss. - Concrete Repairs. Structural concrete elements were damaged as a result of reinforcing corrosion and repaired using conventional repair techniques. - Pile Encasement. Concrete piling exhibited significant damage as a result of expansive-related concrete distress. The damage resulted in a loss of concrete cross-section and steel reinforcing. Pile encasements were designed to remedy this defect. - Ponding / Storm water runoff / upgrade load capacity. The pier surfaces did not drain properly resulting in extensive ponding. New paving (A/C and concrete deck overlay) with improved drainage and a "first flush" storm water runoff collection system was introduced using pre-sloped drainage trenches with catch basins and filters. The original facility was configured for rail-mounted crane service. Concentrated loads from larger vehicles and mobile truck cranes were problematic. The concrete deck overlay placed on the wharf portion of the structure increased load capacity. This paper will describe the field investigation, repair options, design issues, construction and economic benefits pertaining to the rehabilitation of Navy Pier.