Pier 20 West and Pier 21 Wharf Reconstruction
Location: St. John’s, Newfoundland
Client: St. John’s Port Authority
Timeframe: 2020-Onward
Key Staff: Doug Power, Stephen Warford, Richard Bungay, Greg MacNeil
Concrete deck of one of the piersas construction on one of the structures nears completion. St. John’s, Newfoundland, July 2024
Project Description
St. John’s as been used as a port for fishing vessels for over 500 years. Harbourside was retained by the Port of St. John’s to provide engineering services for the Pier 20 West and Pier 21 Wharf Replacement and Upland Development project on the south side of St. John’s Harbour. The primary objective of the project was the complete replacement of the existing Pier 20 West and Pier 21 wharves, the demolition of the existing building at the site, and the development of the upland area.
Harbourside’s Role
Prior to undertaking the necessary engineering design work, Harbourside conducted a site visit to the existing Pier 20 West and Pier 21. This was in order to coordinate a topographic survey and a geotechnical investigation (drilling and materials testing) of the site. A hazardous materials survey of the existing building, and an Impact Assessment for the project were also completed in accordance with the 2019 Federal Impact Assessment Act and Regulations.
Once all necessary information had been obtained, Harbourside prepared a concept design for the replacement wharf. This consisted of a marginal wharf with an approximately 120m-long berthing face, plumb and battered steel pipe piles, reinforced concrete pile caps, and a reinforced concrete deck. The existing timber fender system, recently replaced and independent of the existing wharf structure, was to be preserved throughout construction and anchored to the new wharf structure. Harbourside received positive feedback for the concept design and proceeded to preliminary and detailed engineering design.
The detailed design featured 10 reinforced-concrete-filled battered steel pipe piles socketed into bedrock to resist horizontal berthing and mooring loads, 72 plumb steel pipe piles, and a precast concrete deck panels to expedite the deck construction. A concrete fascia beam was included along the seaward face of the wharf, and a concrete retaining wall along the landward face of the wharf. Harbourside included detailing for the anchoring of the existing timber fender system to the new wharf structure, and other miscellaneous engineering elements related to the structural design itself and the upland development.
Harbourside prepared a detailed tender package for the project, which included “Issued for Tender” detailed engineering design drawings, project specifications, and a detailed estimate of probable construction cost. The detailed design was well received by the Port, with construction beginning in 2021. Harbourside responded to technical queries throughout the tender call period. In addition, Harbourside reviewed all tenders received and provided recommendations for project award, and provided “Issued for Construction” drawings.
Unique Challenges
As part of this project Harbourside successfully collaborated with a total of five other subconsultants. No mean feat! The project was not awarded until May 22, 2020, with the design component to be completed by Labour Day in order to meet the client’s capital budgeting schedule. With such an aggressive design timeline, the subconsultants portion of work was on the critical path for this project. Strong project management and hard work by the project team allowed us to meet this deadline for the client. The port of St. John’s applauded Harbourside for our ability to deliver such a high quality, complete tender package on time, despite the tight turn-around.
As with all Harbourside projects, the project manager is ultimately responsible for ensuring quality of the overall product and service. All team members actively participated in the QA/QC procedures, with multiple checks of drawings, calculations, and other technical documents for accuracy and coordination. Proper senior engineering input was essential in all aspects of the design. This commitment to quality control is evident by Harbourside’s reputation in the industry for having the most complete and detailed construction documents which require little to no changes during construction.
Harbourside is providing contract administration and full-time onsite inspection services throughout the construction period. Upon project completion Harbourside will provide “As-Built” drawings to the Port.
Social Impact
The importance of the fishing industry cannot be understated in the province of Newfoundland. The new wharf designs will allow the piers to accommodate larger fish handling operations than before with modernized, durable infrastructure. Fishing vessels up to 30 meters in length will be able to use the reconstructed piers, as well as forklifts, fuel trucks, boom trucks and loaded tractor trailers. This will provide for greater efficiency and capacity to vessels who call St. John’s their home port.