Gulf Marine Fabricators Graving Dock

The Gulf Marine Fabricators' (GMF) Ingleside Graving Dock facility is one of the largest graving docks along the Gulf Coast, with a plan area approximately 600 feet long by 250 feet wide, and a depth of approximately 40 feet. The perimeter walls of the graving dock are made up of anchored steel sheet piles. Immediately outside the walls are pile-supported relieving platforms that support gravity loads as well as provide horizontal support for the upper portion of the perimeter walls. The anchorage system for the walls consists of vertical and battered steel pipe piles, connected to the sheet piles via anchor rods embedded in the relieving platforms. Groundwater is controlled via a combination of passive measures and active dewatering wells. A unique, internally-supported cellular cofferdam separates the dock from the adjacent bay. Completion of the project required overcoming considerable engineering and construction challenges, as well as owner and end-user schedule and budget constraints. The success of the project relied heavily upon open communication and cooperation among all parties. This paper describes the evolution of the project from its inception through final design, construction, and the first 12 months of operation.