Hall’s Harbour Wharf Replacement
Location: Hall’s Harbour, Nova Scotia
Client: Public Services and Procurement Canada/ DFO SCH
Timeframe: 2015-2018
Key Staff: Mark Reynolds, Chris Dyck, Todd Menzies
Project Description
Hall’s Harbour wharf is a ground-out fishing wharf that is also heavily used by tourists during the summer and fall. Hall’s Harbour is also a popular location for observing tidal changes of the Bay of Fundy. Due to structural conditions, the existing wharf at this facility was considered unsafe for use. Harbourside Engineering Consultants was hired by Public Works and Government Services (now PSPC) on behalf of DFO Small Craft Harbours to design a replacement structure. The project’s engineering design phase was complete by 2015, and construction was completed by 2018.
Harbourside’s Role
Preliminary Design and Geotechnical Investigation
For this project, Harbourside Engineering was engaged as the prime consultant to complete the design of a replacement structure for three commercial fishing vessels. In addition, we needed to update the lighting and electrical systems at this facility (as advised by RSEI). Our scope of pre-design services for the project included a site investigation and assessment of the pre-existing geotechnical conditions. Armed with our geotechnical assessment, we completed the engineering concept designs of differing options for the potential wharf structures. The options analysis included: a tied-back berlin wall structure, a steel sheet pile wall structure, and a timber crib structure.
Detailed Engineering Design
In the next phase of the project, we completed the detailed engineering design of the recommended option. The superior recommendation was a timber crib structure. Details included the development and review of the construction documents (drawings, specifications, and capital cost estimates) at 50%, 99% and 100% completion of the tender package. Support from our geotechnical team continued throughout the detailed engineering design phase to ensure that conditions were enough to resist design loads. Harbourside Geotechnical Consultants also provided advice and constructability support for the remaining duration of the project.
Part of the detailed design phase included coordinating and reviewing the recommendations and deliverables submitted by our sub-contractors. These deliverables included drawings, specifications and capital cost estimates for the electrical work. Prior to submitting these deliverables to our client, all sub-contractor work was reviewed and approved by the project manager.
Construction and Tendering
After the construction documents were developed, Harbourside provided support during the tender phase by answering technical queries, providing additional information to bidders, and preparing addendums. After the tender had closed, we aided in the review and analysis of the submitted bids. During construction, Harbourside provided technical support by reviewing and approving all shop drawing submissions, providing support and technical advice for RFI’s, change orders and claims. In addition, we reviewed the construction schedule and inspected the as-built construction upon request by the contract administrator. This project was completed in the Fall of 2018.
As part of this project, Harbourside was also involved in supporting DFO SCH with developing their submissions to obtain the required environmental permits. Harbourside also supported DFO SCH with their submissions to Transport Canada to obtain approval to complete the construction of this structure.
Unique Challenges
At this facility, we were required to design a new wharf for three commercial fishing boats. One challenge was providing adequate fendering to accommodate the large tide differential and prevent boats from being pushed onto the wharf during storm surges at high tides. In addition, immediately adjacent to the new wharf is a harbour sluice gate that had to be maintained throughout construction.
Adjacent to the harbour is the Nova Scotia Highway 359 which is also supported by the wharf structure. This added significant complexity to the project. By addressing and identifying construction and engineering constraints during the initial assessment, Harbourside was able to work through potential solutions to solve each problem with our client at every phase, from initial design to construction.
Social Impact
The Hall’s Harbour Wharf is a scenic location. There is nearby access to the Hall’s Harbour Eco trail, and the area is frequented by tourists for its picturesque beauty. Locals are also dependant on the wharf for mooring their vessels, making it an essential part of daily life. Finally, the structure supports the Highway 359 roadway that circles the harbour. All in all, the Hall’s Harbour Wharf is an integral piece of infrastructure for transportation throughout the area. It is also essential to the local economy, and the tourism industry. It’s repairs and maintenance will help ensure that this gorgeous location can continue to be enjoyed by those travelling our beautiful province for years to come. Those that make their homes in and around the area will also be able to reliably use the wharf in safety.
