Anchor QEA completed the geotechnical engineering design for a new wharf and bulkhead at a shipyard in Tacoma, Washington, which replaced existing wharf and bulkhead structures at the site. The new wharf is roughly 650 feet in length with the bulkhead supporting a cut of 10 feet. Dredging was completed adjacent to the wharf in order to remove impacted sediment. The cuts adjacent to the wharf range from 5 to 10 feet in height. The existing bulkhead was expected to fail when this depth of material was removed; therefore, a replacement wharf and bulkhead was needed in conjunction with the dredging of impacted sediment.

To prepare for the design process, Anchor QEA completed an exploration program advancing borings to depths of 120 to 150 feet below grade. Laboratory analyses were completed on select samples. Anchor QEA provided static and seismic earth pressures needed for the design of the bulkhead. In addition, Anchor QEA provided foundation recommendations to the structural engineer including compressive, uplift, and lateral pile capacities, settlement predictions, and installation recommendations. Finally, Anchor QEA provided construction observation services during installation of the 200 steel H-piles.

For more information on this project, please contact John Verduin at jverduin@anchorqea.com.