The dock at Blythe Island Regional Park in Glynn County is the only public boat hoists on the west side of the County. In February of 2012, wood borers had taken their toll on the wood pilings that supported the dock and the structural integrity of the dock was called into question. The County then utilized the services of EMC Engineering to evaluate of the stability of the existing dock and develop a preliminary construction cost estimate for any recommended repair work. The results of the study were that the structure was structurally unsound and recommended repairs included pile replacements and encapsulation. The County immediately closed the dock and began preparing considerations for repairs or replacement of the structure. The cost of the repairs was significant enough to make the long-term replacement cost more feasible, so the County began working with EMC to develop this replacement plan.
The replacement plan consisted of the demolition of an existing wood dock and construction of a new concrete dock. The existing steel piling, concrete floating docks and gangways were retained for incorporation into the completed structure. The new dock consists of prestressed concrete piles, concrete beams and topping, wood hand railing, a hoist and trolley system, a bait shed, and new pavement.
EMC Engineering Services, Inc. worked with the County’s Public Works Department to perform the engineering and construction phase services for the project. Following the initial structural evaluation work, EMC’s scope consisted of structural design calculations, a preliminary plan and profile of the dock, and final construction documents, including plans and specifications. EMC was also involved in the construction phase by providing reviews of contractor submittals and periodic on-site inspections.