Wild Harbor Bulkhead and Dredging

Client

    Town of Falmouth

Location

    Falmouth, Massachusetts

Key Elements

    Investigation
  • Hydrographic Survey
  • Bulkhead Design
  • Dredging Design
  • Regulatory Approvals
  • Construction Documents
  • Construction Inspection

GEI’s marine engineering group was retained by the Town of Falmouth to perform an investigation and design a replacement for an old timber bulkhead in Wild Harbor.

The timber bulkhead was in poor condition and several sinkholes were developing in the public roadway behind the bulkhead. Tiebacks had failed and stability of the existing bulkhead was a significant concern. In addition, the harbor had silted up, limiting navigational access to the bulkhead.

A site investigation was performed including topographic and hydrographic surveys. A review of alternatives was performed, and the preferred option was a new cantilever steel bulkhead. A large outfall provided tidal connection to wetlands located inshore of the project and the design incorporated a new outfall while maintaining flow during construction. Design of the new bulkhead incorporated access ladders, fendering, and other facilities for small boat mooring. The design also included dredging of 1,600 cubic yards of sand with placement as beach nourishment on the adjacent Silver Beach. GEI obtained all required regulatory approvals for the project and developed bid and construction documents for the work.

Construction of the bulkhead was delayed pending funding for the project, but construction was completed in early 2015.

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