Project Description
Emergency work and repairs include the removal of fire damaged structures to prevent further collapse, including removal and disposal of 10,800 square feet (sf) of existing fire damaged timber wharf apron and associated structural parts, 11,000 sf of fire damaged timber approach trestle and associated structural parts, up to 750, 15-inch diameter creosote-treated timber piles, and any debris that has entered Carquinez Strait that presents a risk to safe navigation/operations. The ship loader tower structure will be stabilized, which includes selective demolition and removal of portions of the foundation, and installation of four, 36-inch diameter steel pipe piles, and new steel bracing beams. Additional installation of minimum improvements to resume safe dock operation, including installation of approximately 4,000 sf of temporary floats with fendering, eight mooring point onto the existing wharf, installation of five, 36-inch diameter timber camels that are 40 feet long each, miscellaneous repairs to the existing timber fender system, and 100 sf of catwalk will be completed.
Major Challenges
One of the major challenges was the need to quickly mobilize a crane barge and crew to the site to assist the firefighting team. At their request, we used our 10,000-pound dragline bucket to cut a fire break into the still-burning dock, preventing the fire from spreading and causing further damage to AMPORTS’ facilities.
After the fire was extinguished, Valero directed us to remove all of the damaged portions of the dock and begin reconstructing it under an emergency contract. Our crews worked 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, until the project was completed. This intensive effort helped to minimize the impact on Valero’s refinery operations, as they rely on this dock for offloading coke by-product onto marine vessels at this location.
Project Highlights
A key highlight was completing the demolition, repair / reinforcing, and rebuilding of Valero’s dock ahead of schedule and without any safety incidents or accidents. Our scope of work had zero impact on Amports ability to continue operations as usual with no lost time or productivity on their part.
Project Scope
Removal of Fire Damaged Structures:
Remove and dispose of 10,800 square feet (sf) of existing fire damaged timber wharf apron and associated structural parts. Remove and dispose of 11,000 sf of fire damaged timber approach trestle and associated structural parts. Remove up to 750, 15-inch diameter creosote-treated timber piles. Clear any debris in Carquinez Strait that poses a risk to safe navigation/operations.
Stabilization of Ship Loader Tower Structure:
Stabilize the ship loader tower structure through selective demolition and removal of portions of the foundation. Install four, 36-inch diameter steel pipe piles for structural support. Install new steel bracing beams for reinforcement.
Dock Operation Improvements:
Install approximately 4,000 sf of temporary floats with fendering for safe dock operation.
Establish eight mooring points onto the existing wharf for vessel docking.
Install five, 36-inch diameter timber camels, each 40 feet long, for additional support.
Conduct miscellaneous repairs to the existing timber fender system to ensure safety.
Construct a 100 sf catwalk for accessibility and maintenance purpose.
