Coastal Pier Inspection, Maintenance and Underwater Pile Repairs

Beacon West manages inspection and maintenance services on multiple working piers along the central California coast. This service includes marine growth removal, deck and pile inspections, lighting repairs, installation and maintenance of bird repellent devices, crane and gangway inspections and repairs.

Following a significant storm event that damaged a support pile on an actively used pier, Beacon West was called in to design an innovative and expeditious solution. Due to the scarcity of heavy marine resources on the west coast (crane barges, offshore pile drivers), a repair approach utilizing shore-based equipment was developed, working from the pier topsides while remaining within very tight tolerances on the allowable pier loading. A specialty design utilizing an instrumented “crutch” pile with hydraulically enabled rams allowed for the placement of a temporary support pile, which then allowed for complete removal of the damaged pile and support base.  A new pile was installed, and load successfully transferred to the new pile. Beacon West’s custom and collaborative problem-solving, along with careful execution, led to a successful outcome in a challenging work environment.