Botsford Launching Ramp Replacement
Location: Murray Corner, New Brunswick
Client: Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours
Timeframe: 2021-2024
Key Staff: Stephen O’Brien, Jim Bennett, Nick Thibodeau
Project Description
Botsford wharf is a fisheries harbour located in Murray Corner, NB. Harbourside Engineering Consultants was hired by DFO Small Craft Harbours to design a replacement for the existing launching ramp which was deteriorated and considered unsafe for use. The project design phase was completed from December 2021 to May 2023 with construction being completed in the Spring of 2024.
The view of the Botsford Boat launch and harbour in Murray Corner, New Brunswick, as seen from a drone. The harbour is covered with snow, and heavy sheets of ice.
Harbourside’s Role
Initial Site Assessment and Preliminary Engineering Design Options
For this project, Harbourside was engaged as the prime consultant to complete the design of a replacement launching ramp structure for the Botsford Harbour. Our scope of services for this project included pre-design services, consisting of a site investigation, an assessment of the existing launching ramp, and assessment of surrounding structures. In addition, we coordinated a topographic and bathymetric survey to obtain elevations and soundings of the existing slip and surrounding area. As part of the first phase, we developed launching ramp replacement options. After discussions with DFO-SCH, we proceeded with the design of a mixture of pre-cast panels and a cast-in-place concrete launching ramp. By utilizing pre-cast panels, we limited the amount of in-water work.
Detailed Engineering Design
In the next design phase of the project, we completed the detailed design of the launching ramp replacement including the development and review of the construction documents. These documents included drawings, specification, and capital cost estimate. Reviews were repeated again at the 50%, 99%, and final tender stage. Part of the detailed design phase included reviewing the constructability of the launching ramp and evaluating the potential risk and mitigation measures for undermining the surrounding structures during construction.
After the construction documents were developed, Harbourside provided support during the tender phase by answering technical queries and providing additional information to bidders. During construction, Harbourside also provided technical support. Support came in the form of reviewing and approving all shop drawing submissions, and providing technical advice for RFI’s, change orders, and claims. In addition, we provided construction inspection services and reviewed the as-built construction as requested by the contract administrator. This project reached substantial completion in December 2023 and was completed in the spring of 2024.
In addition, as part of this project, Harbourside was involved in supporting DFO SCH with the development if their submissions to obtain the environmental permits. Harbourside developed drawings which outlined the existing conditions and proposed new work as well as supported DFO SCH with their submissions to obtain approval for the project. During construction, Harbourside oversaw the onsite construction work to ensure compliance with the applicable permits.
UNIQUE CHALLENGES
Photo taken during the initial inspection of the Botsford Harbour timber beams and structures.
Unique Challenges
This project had several challenges from a design and construction perspective. During design, proper grades and transitions of the launching ramp needed to be obtained to ensure the boat hauler did not bottom out while launching or removing vessels. Another challenge was the unknown condition of the crib structures being demolished and encapsulated by the launching ramp. This, in addition to the potential risk of undermining the existing structures during construction was critical to the project’s success. These items were addressed in the design drawing sand specifications and monitored by Harbourside’s onsite inspector throughout the project which resulted in the successful completion of the project.
Social Impact
The deteriorated boat ramp at Botsford Wharf, Murray Corner, New Brunswick posed a hazard both to people and vessels. Its replacement is a marked improvement to safety, and the continued longevity of this small craft harbour. As an Atlantic Canadian engineering firm, projects such as these dot the Maritimes. Small craft harbours are the lifeblood of rural communities, and their continued operations are essential for fishing, tourism, and recreation.