Marine Construction Archives - The Dutra Group

Petaluma Turning Basin

christine — Thu, 15 May 2025 12:06:33 +0000

Project Description

The Petaluma River Turning Basin project involves the comprehensive replacement of floating docks, gangways, and support piles within the Petaluma River Turning Basin. The existing structures, including the timber pier access structure, metal gangways, floating docks, and piles, are either serviceable or deteriorating and will be replaced as specified in the Contract Plans. The scope of work includes the installation of 3,800 square feet of non-ferrous concrete docks, the removal of six 16-inch diameter steel piles and nine 12-inch timber piles, which will be replaced with fourteen 16-inch diameter steel piles. Additionally, the project entails the removal and disposal of the existing gangways and adjacent access structures, to be replaced with ADA-compliant steel gangways and gangway landing platforms. Bank restoration and planting in areas affected by the gangway structures and landing platforms are also included in the project scope.

Major Challenges
The access was tight and this was a high profile project located in the heart of Petaluma so there was a lot interaction with the public and surrounding businesses.

Project Highlights
A key highlight of the Petaluma River Turning Basin project is the successful integration of modern, ADA-compliant infrastructure that enhances accessibility and safety for all users. The installation of 3,800 square feet of non-ferrous concrete docks represents a significant upgrade from the existing structures, providing durable and long-lasting facilities. The project also emphasizes environmental stewardship through the restoration and planting of affected bank areas, contributing to the ecological health of the Petaluma River. The replacement of deteriorating piles with new steel piles ensures the structural integrity and longevity of the basin’s infrastructure.

Project Scope

The scope of the Petaluma River Turning Basin project includes the comprehensive replacement of floating docks, gangways, and support piles. Specifically, the project involves the installation of 3,800 square feet of non-ferrous concrete docks, the removal of six 16-inch diameter steel piles and nine 12-inch timber piles, and their replacement with fourteen 16-inch diameter steel piles. The existing gangways and adjacent access structures will be removed and disposed of, with new ADA-compliant steel gangways and gangway landing platforms installed in their place. The project also includes bank restoration and planting in areas affected by the gangway structures and landing platforms. All work will be conducted in accordance with the Contract Plans, ensuring compliance with relevant safety, accessibility, and environmental standards.

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Napa Bridge Fender Repair

christine — Thu, 15 May 2025 11:53:10 +0000

Project Description

The project consisted of demolition of the damaged fender wall system and the installation of the new fender wall in 150 days time under an emergency contract with CalTrans.

Major Challenges
Due to this being emergency work the timeline to complete the project was very tight and crucial as the bridge remained vulnerable until this project was completed. This is also an active channel with a strong current to contend with as well as vessels navigating through our project site that we had to contend with as well.

Project Highlights
The team was able to mobilize extremely quickly due to the elevated emergency status of this project and they perfomed the work without causing any traffic delays on the water or on the critical Highway 37, which links Solano and Marin counties. The team also completed the emergency project ahead of schedule with zero accidents, injuries or near misses.

Project Scope

This emergency project required demolition of the damaged fender wall and removal of the damaged timber pilings. The entire west fender wall system was removed and 70 new steel pilings were driven to construct the new fender wall system to protect the bridge.

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Berkeley Dock D & E

christine — Thu, 15 May 2025 11:45:55 +0000

Project Description

The project to replace Docks D & E includes several key upgrades. The existing dilapidated wooden docks will be removed and replaced with new ADA-compliant concrete docks, while the rotted timber piles will be replaced with durable concrete piles. All new utilities will be installed, including electrical, communications (telephone and cable), potable water, and fire suppression systems. To improve accessibility, a new ADA-compliant gangway will connect the parking lot to the security gate at Docks D & E. A secure entry gate will be installed near the foot of the gangway, complemented by a concrete wall constructed below the gangway for added stability. Riprap slope protection will be placed in front of the new concrete wall. Landside improvements will include repaving and repositioning ADA parking, updating striping and signage, replacing the concrete walkway in front of the docks, and installing bollards for added safety.

Major Challenges
This is a high profile project in a heavily traveled area requiring a lot of coordination with the harbor master to ensure that our work is done safely and with minimal impact to vessel traffic in the marina.

Project Highlights
Working in tandem with the Dutra dredging team to complete this project was a highlight of this project. After the construction team successfully demolished the D&E Docks and cleared the area out for dredging, the dredging team floated in and performed some much needed dredging in the area as it has been years since the Berkeley Marina was last dredged. Now that the dredging is complete the construction team will mobilize to the area in June of 2025 to complete the construction of the new docks.

Project Scope

The demolition of Docks D & E includes the removal of 14,742 square feet of dock, 65 timber piles (16-inch diameter), 560 square feet of timber dock, and 8 additional timber piles (12-inch diameter). Other structures to be removed include a 45-foot aluminum gangway, a steel gate, and a wooden shed.

The project will then move forward with the installation of 18,314 square feet of new docks, supported by 40 concrete octagonal piles (18 inches in diameter and 63 feet long). A new 45-foot aluminum gangway will be installed, along with 1,045 square feet of new concrete walkway, complete with a new abutment. The upgrades will also include a new steel gate and trellis, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

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Oakland Airport Trestle

christine — Thu, 15 May 2025 11:37:22 +0000

Project Description

Oakland International Airport’s Approach Light System Pier was damaged and was in need of repair and retrofitting to ensure that airplanes could continue to land safely.

Major Challenges
Very challenging working on a pier directly in the path of landing aircraft as we had to time our access into and out of the project site very carefully. There were also height restrictions which dictacted what kind of equipment we could use onsite. The noise levels also made it challenging to communicate at times as well.

Project Highlights
The project was completed in a difficult area to work in with high visibility and limited work hours ahead of schedule and with no accidents, incidents, or near misses.

Project Scope

Demolition and replacement of 7,240 linear feet of timber handrail; Furnish / Install a new gangway; constuct new footing / abutment for gangway.

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Port of Oakland Berth 10

christine — Thu, 15 May 2025 11:14:37 +0000

Project Description

Furnish and install marine bollards and fenders, including, but not limited to: removal and disposal of existing bollards and fenders, site preparation, repair of concrete wharf, installing wharf strengthening beams, installing new piles support system, field coating Port-furnished bollards, drilling and installing new anchor bolts, placing and fastening bollards and fenders, and associated hardware; and performing all associated work, all in accordance with the Contract Documents.

Major Challenges
The tidal work was the biggest challenge for this project as it limited the ability to access the area where the work was to be performed. The team also had to coordinate with vessels and the port to not disrupt daily operations at the port.

Project Highlights
Completing this project without impacting any of the port’s day to day operations and helping to reinforce a criticial section of the port’s waterfront that was in dire need of repair.

Project Scope

The demolition and replacement of 5 fenders (120 linear feet) and 11 bollards as well as some miscellanceous concrete repair and reinforcement (231 liner feet). Furnished and installed 22 each steel spreader beams.

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Montezuma Gates

christine — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 12:51:43 +0000

Project Description
The Dutra Group was deployed to retrofit the aging Montezuma Slough Gates due to the prolonged drought and rising sea levels that pushed brackish seawater further upstream. The project involved the careful removal of the old gate and its replacement with a new, more robust structure. This critical infrastructure upgrade was necessary to maintain the integrity of the Montezuma Slough salinity barrier, which plays a vital role in regulating the flow of brackish water and preserving the delicate ecological balance of the surrounding wetlands.

Major Challenges
The Dutra Group faced several significant challenges during the project. Firstly, the heavy lift of the oversized, oddly shaped, and non-uniform gate in the tight confines of the Montezuma Slough waterway required meticulous planning and specialized equipment. Additionally, the remote location of the project site, situated in a far-flung region of the San Francisco Bay, added logistical complexities and required the team to navigate the unique environmental conditions of the area.

Project Highlights
The Dutra Group installed a new gate and removed the old one at the Montezuma Slough salinity barrier, located northeast of Grizzly Bay. This achievement was the result of the team’s expertise, dedication, and the implementation of innovative solutions to overcome the project’s complexities.

Project Scope

The primary objective of this project was to upgrade the Montezuma Slough salinity barrier by replacing the aging gate with a new, state-of-the-art structure. This improvement was essential in enhancing the barrier’s ability to regulate the flow of brackish seawater, thereby safeguarding the delicate ecological balance of the surrounding wetlands and mitigating the impacts of the ongoing drought and rising sea levels.

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Carnival Wharf H Improvements

christine — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 12:41:15 +0000

Project Description

The Carnival Wharf H Improvements Project aims to enhance the infrastructure to accommodate larger cruise ships. The scope includes the construction of two new mooring dolphins, installation of 12 new mooring bollards, 2 new catwalks, a concrete foundation for a new gangway tower, and a South catwalk around the gangway structure. Additionally, the project involves the mobilization and installation of a new gangway tower system from Tacoma, Washington to Wharf H in Long Beach, California.

Major Challenges

A major challenge consisted of working around the tides and Carnival’s ship schedule at the wharf required meticulous scheduling during certain phases of the project.
Stepping up and taking over the mobilization of the Gangway Tower system late in the project. Many agreements and subs were needed, on short notice, to complete the mob from Tacoma, WA to Long Beach, CA.

Project Highlights

A key highlight included the installation of the new Gangway Tower System at (154) anchor bolts, installed by Dutra. Only two bolt locations had to be widened to place the Expansion Tower (209k lbs) and the Transition tower (92k lbs) set in place perfectly. There were no lost time accidents, to date, on this project.

Project Scope

Construction of Mooring Dolphins: Design and construct two new mooring dolphins to support larger cruise ships. Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Installation of Mooring Bollards: Install 12 new mooring bollards for secure docking of vessels. Coordinate with relevant authorities for approvals.

Catwalk Installation: Install 2 new catwalks to facilitate access for passengers and crew. Ensure structural integrity and safety measures are in place.

Gangway Tower Foundation Construction: Construct a concrete foundation for the new gangway tower. Utilize steel pipe piles driven by Dutra for stability and durability.

South Catwalk Construction: Build a new South catwalk around the gangway foundation structure. Ensure seamless connectivity and accessibility for passengers.

Mobilization and Installation of Gangway Tower System: Coordinate logistics for mobilizing the gangway tower system from Tacoma, Washington to Long Beach, California. Ensure safe and efficient installation at Wharf H.

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Amports / Valero Dock Repair & Rebuild

christine — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 12:33:43 +0000

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.

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Phillips 66

christine — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 12:23:03 +0000

Project Description
The project involved Marine Oil Terminal Engineering and Maintenance Standards (MOTEMS) repairs to piles (concrete & steel), beams (concrete & steel), columns, and slabs at Phillips 66’s Marine Terminal Complex (MTC) in Rodeo, CA. Phillips 66 had identified numerous problematic areas on their MTC that needed addressing and called on The Dutra Group’s marine construction expertise, as the majority of the project took place in the water and underneath an active refinery. Dutra repaired all of the cracked, spalled, broken, or degraded piles, beams, columns, and slabs, and when necessary, used divers to install pile jackets to retrofit their MTC and bring it back into compliance with MOTEMS.

Major Challenges
One of the major challenges was working above water and below an active refinery MTC (Marine Terminal Complex). The project team had to work in shifts with alternative schedules to accommodate the active refinery’s operations, as well as the ship schedules and multiple other contractors who were working onsite. They also dealt with extremely strong currents in the Carquinez Strait and monitored the water daily to ensure safety protocols were adhered to, especially when diving operations were being conducted.

Project Highlights
A key highlight was the use of a crane barge to remove old pipes and install new pipes in areas that are only accessible by marine barge. Divers were also utilized to install pile jackets, demonstrating the project team’s versatility and ability to adapt to the unique challenges of the site.

Project Scope
The project scope included the repair of:

2,300 linear feet of concrete beams
23 linear feet of columns
231 linear feet of slabs
861 linear feet of concrete and steel piles, via pile jackets installed by divers

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Bay Bridge Fenders

christine — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 12:10:47 +0000

Project Description
The project involved the repair of the deteriorated fender system at Piers W3, W4, W5, and W6. The repairs consisted of hanging inner and outer chains to provide an additional line of defense in the event of future deterioration of the existing fender system. Additionally, the project scope included the complete removal and replacement of the fender system, with the installation of new steel walers and plastic lumber fenders.

Major Challenges
One of the major challenges was managing our vessels in an extremely active shipping channel, which required constant communication and heightened alertness to monitor the movement of ships and their wakes. Working in the deep, open waters of the San Francisco Bay, the project team also had to contend with strong currents and the challenges associated with anchor systems in such a dynamic environment.

Project Highlights
Despite the challenging work environment, the project team successfully completed the work over a span of 2 years, accumulating a total of 32,000 man-hours, with a perfect safety record. The achievement of zero incidents or accidents is a testament to the skill and dedication of the multiple crews involved in executing this complex project.

Project Scope
The project scope included the installation of:

246 inner chain assemblies
246 outer chain assemblies
308 plastic lumber posts measuring 10″x10″x23′
6 curved walers made of H-piles, 12″x53″
4 steel struts measuring 10″x10″
6 steel kickers made of H-piles, 10″x57″

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