Skagway Small Boat Harbor—Vertical Wave Barrier

This paper describes the design and construction of a partially penetrating vertical wall breakwater in Skagway, Alaska. The breakwater was constructed using ½-inch thick steel galvanized pipe pile with flat sheet pile welded to either side to form a "combi-wall". A steel waler along the top transfers lateral wave impact loads to pile clusters with vertical and batter pipe piles. The wave barrier blocks waves, while allowing fish passage and water circulation through the gap between the bottom of wall and seafloor. The entire 330 feet long structure was transported on one barge, requiring careful load-out and planning. The wave barrier was designed by PND Engineers, Inc. and installed by Pacific Pile and Marine, LP. The project was completed with no injuries and received the 2010 Project of the Year Award from the Pile Driving Contractor's Association (PDCA).