Innovative bulkhead reconstruction: revitalizing a crucial cruise port infrastructure
At a glance
GHD provided the concept design for preliminary pricing of PortMiami’s 50+-year-old North Bulkhead reconstruction. The heavily corroded structure, which houses cruise berths 1-6 and terminals G and B, has lost backfill material, resulting in unsafe operating conditions.
The challenge
The advanced deterioration of the existing structure presented engineers with the challenge of limiting construction efforts directly on the bulkhead, as it posed risks to workers, heavy equipment and materials. Also, despite the deteriorated state of the bulkhead, cruise berthing is an ongoing activity that cannot be interrupted.
Therefore, the design solution to reconstruct and realign 7,168 feet had to address an innovative approach that would not affect the current structure nor disrupt ongoing cruise operations.
The solution also had to consider environmental issues, such as tides, currents, weather events and marine ecosystem impact.
Our response
In response to Miami-Dade County’s request for design-build services, CBNA engaged GHD to provide a preliminary design of a reinforced concrete caisson solution. These “large cement floating boxes” are to be built at a shipyard away from Miami and then floated into position in front of the existing bulkhead, avoiding the deteriorated wharf. The positioning of the boxes will not alter the ongoing cruise operations.
The 100+ boxes will cover a total of over 7,000+ feet of wharf, allowing for a stronger, more durable platform designed to last 75 years. Once the boxes are in place, the platform will be reinforced, providing an upgrade to the facility so that the users can enjoy a safer experience.
Biscayne Bay has clear, pristine waters that promote a healthy marine life ecosystem. According to permitting specifications, GHD has included a coral relocation program to remove the coral adhered to the bulkhead and move it to a safe location with similar ecosystem characteristics for the marine lifeform to thrive. Also, the engineers had to include a plan to stay within the parameters of a two-parts-per-million contamination rate during the bulkhead reconstruction works, which are part of Phase 2.
Phase 2 is expected to begin in January 2025, and the bulkhead works would commence by year-end.
The impact
PortMiami’s primary revenue generator is cruise activity, so failing to upgrade the facility would significantly impact the cruise industry. The concrete caisson design offers several advantages: it does not disrupt operations, doesn’t increase risks to the aging structure and allows for safer operations on a more robust surface. This design is engineered to last 75 years, ensuring work and leisure opportunities for future generations.