Fender Modernization at Pier 1, Port of Davisville, RI

In the 1940's, Pier No. 1 was constructed at the U. S. Naval Construction Battalion Center Davisville, (NCBC) in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Located in the Advanced Base Depot at the NCBC, the pier provided an intermodal link for the transport of materials and supplies to Navy bases worldwide. Pier No.1, a 1,200-ft-long by 250-ft-wide, timber pile-supported pier, was utilized by Navy cargo vessels from its construction during World War II through the Vietnam War. Today, the NCBC forms a part of the Quonset Business Park and the Advanced Base Depot has been transformed into the Port of Davisville. The Port of Davisville primarily services car carriers. The vessels of today are significantly larger than the vessels of the World War II era for which the pier was originally designed. Improvements have been made and the existing tire and pile fender system is functioning; but, its ability to absorb berthing energy is limited and it requires regular maintenance. To reduce maintenance costs, reduce berthing impacts and extend the life of Pier No. 1, QDC pursued an upgrade of the existing fender system. This paper presents the basis of design and descriptions of the design and construction process for a new, innovative fender system for Pier No. 1.