Craney Island Dredged Material Management Area (CIDMMA) Bulkhead Refurbishment for the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Civil Works Navigation Program in Portsmouth, Virginia

The project consists of refurbishing the existing bulkhead at Craney Island Dredged Material Management area (CIDMMA). Annually, the bulkhead accommodates a large number of marine vessels consisting primarily of dredging equipment such as hydraulic and mechanical dredges, scows, barges and survey vessels. The Bulkhead’s fender system is the interface between the vessel and the bulkhead. During the berthing of a vessel, the fender system is meant to act as a buffer in absorbing or dissipating the impact energy of the ship without causing permanent damage to the ship or the bulkhead. Once the vessel is successfully berthed and moored to the bulkhead, the fender system continues to provide the interface between ship and shore and transmits the environmental loads (wind, waves, and current) on the ship to the structure. Recent visual inspection of the bulkhead indicates that a significant number of fender timber pilings and cross braces have been significantly damaged or destroyed, while the bulkhead structure remains functioning and in good condition. In order to successfully serve its purpose, bulkhead’s fender system needs to be entirely replaced in-kind to continue to safely support vessels, plant, and equipment calling on the facility, but minimize damage to the fender system itself. The work will consist of removal of existing timber piles (by pulling entirely) and bracing and installation of new 16” in diameter and approximately 52.5’ long timber piles and associated cross bracing. Portion of the bulkhead that will require the replacement of fender system is approximately 310’ long.

Division 35 -

Waterway and Marine Construction, Waterway and Marine Construction and Equipment, Dredging.