The Reconstruction of Kodiak Pier 1 Dock Facility to Modern Seismic Design Standards

The Alaska department of transportation intends to reconstruct Kodiak Pier 1. The existing pier is a timber dock built in 1965, used for ferry service, bulk fuel, and general cargo operations. The goal is to provide a new, larger dock to increase the deck area to better accommodate the ferry berthing and vehicle loading. This paper examines the design and permitting of a replacement dock including the application of modern displacement-based seismic design standards and environmental challenges at this unique site. Implementation of these design standards is discussed, as well as the real-life challenges, limitations, and risks that remain even after the new design. While the basic design criteria were met, challenges include accommodating large displacements at the beam seats at the abutment and the potential for seismic induced soil failure in the uplands impinging on the dock. Other challenges include regulatory environmental issues related to protection of Stellar sea lions.