Guest Post from RDML Tom Ostebo, CG-4:
Congratulations to the men and women of the Facilities Design and Construction Center (FD&CC) Detachment in Seattle for their award winning project in Neah Bay, Washington!
The team members from left to right are: Francis Brito (FDCC Det Director of Projects), Debra Chinn (Civil Engineer, Engineer in Charge), Mark McAll (Construction Project Manager), and Tim Stott (Environmental Engineer).
The $3.4M Neah Bay Breakwater is the winner of the 2008 Design Excellence GOLD AWARD in the Large Business category, presented by the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Seattle/Tacoma Post. This is the highest award from SAME presented to an Architect/Engineering (AE) Design Firm working jointly with federal agencies to complete major construction to improve operating capability and sustainability at military facilities. Projects were judged for incorporating innovation into the design and build out to solve complex technical and environmental challenges. AE Firm Moffatt and Nichol designed the project, and Contractor Bergerson Construction Inc. completed the build out.
Recognizing the constraints of a remote site and an extremely limited in-water construction window, the structural system consisted of a steel soldier pile system and precast concrete panels, sitting on a submerged rubble mound, and a cast-in-place concrete pile-cap. In keeping with the low-maintenance site needs, a passive cathodic system provides corrosion protection to the steel members.
The breakwater was completed within budget and on time in July 2009 and contributes to improved response time and seaworthiness of the Coast Guard especially during the harsh winter months.
Congratulations to the entire construction team!
