Replacement of a Failing Bulkhead Wall with Inches to Spare

Bulkhead replacement projects are challenging in the best of circumstances. The design and installation of a replacement bulkhead between existing structures that are only a few feet apart was the extraordinary challenge undertaken by the Port of Bellingham. The Bellingham Shipping Terminal is a man-made peninsula owned by the Port of Bellingham, Washington. The wharf is accessible directly from land over a bulkhead. The northern section is constructed of a tiered timber soldier pile wall that is substantially decayed. Rehabilitation of this wall has been delayed, in large part, because a functioning timber pile-supported warehouse building sits within 5 feet (2 meters) of the bulkhead wall, making replacement difficult. Development of sink holes behind the bulkhead has highlighted the need to replace it to protect the existing facilities and restore the load capacity, which will attract additional potential tenants. This paper will discuss the issues, constraints, and risk management involved in the design and installation of a tied-back, steel king-pile bulkhead wall with a concrete dead-man located within the adjacent warehouse building.