Emergency Barge Slip Repair Requires Creative Solutions

A project that began as an evaluation of a barge slip suddenly became an emergency repair when the wall was accidentally undermined during a dredging operation. The damage revealed that the bottom of the bulkhead wall was 8 feet (2.43 m) higher than expected. This damage occurred less than a week before the in-water work period would close for the season. The barge slip is critical to large steel fabricators, and the bulkhead evaluation was needed prior to a heavy equipment load-out. An immediate repair solution was required. Design of a new sheet-pile bulkhead wall began and pile driving started within a week. The repairs were completed successfully due to a concerted effort by the design and construction teams. The repaired and upgraded barge slip is an essential marine facility for the steel fabricators who, in turn, serve the largest industries in the region. As such, it is an important engine of economic development to the local and regional community.