Skinners Pond Breakwater Repairs
Location: Skinners Pond, Prince Edward Island
Client: Public Works and Government Services Canada
Duration: 2011
Key Staff: Stephen O’Brien, Greg MacDonald
Project Description
The bulkhead breakwater structure at the Skinners Pond facility had severely deteriorated by 2011. As such, Public Works and Government Services Canada were looking to have a concept developed and the detailed design carried out for the substantial repairs that were needed.
Harbourside’s Role
Harbourside was engaged by PWGSC to develop the concept and complete the detailed design of repairs to the existing SSP bulkhead breakwater structure at the Skinners Pond facility.
The preliminary phase of the work included an assessment of the condition and life expectancy of the existing structure. This included a review of existing drawings, onsite inspection and ultrasonic steel thickness readings. A report was developed indicating the existing structure had surpassed its useful life and needed immediate repair.
Phase II of the project involved the detailed design of a new wharf and breakwater design to meet the required design life, and loading requirements of the facility. This included a requirement to develop a solution that would allow for land-based dredging to occur from the deck of the existing structure. To address these requirements, Harbourside Engineering developed a concept which included the installation of a new steel sheet pile wall (SSP) just outside the face of the existing SSP. A new lateral tie back system was then installed, including new walers, tie rods, and concrete dead man. Lastly, a new rubble mound breakwater was constructed adjacent to the rehabilitated structure. This breakwater included a new concrete deck, which facilitated land-based dredging operations similar to the adjacent structure.
Unique Challenges
Meeting the design-life requirements on marine projects can be challenging due to the harsh environment. Another challenge is dealing with storm surge and sea-level rise, both of which requires the elevation of coastal structure to be raised, and can lead to design and construction challenges with existing infrastructure. For this project, a new sheet pile was used to increase the deck elevation and meet the desired design life requirements.
Social Impact
Repairs to the breakwater will ensure that Skinners Pond stays sheltered from the worst storm surge, even in the face of a changing climate. This piece of infrastructure was funded by the federal government as part of a push to improve small craft harbours nationally. This investment highlights the importance of such harbours to local communities.