Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc.
(BKI) was contracted to plan and design a
new wharf on the Mississippi River and
obtain necessary construction permits. The
new facility was to operate "24 hour per
day, 365 days per year," unaffected by
river flood stages. BKI worked closely
with the Corps of Engineers to expedite
levee design changes to accommodate a new
opening in the floodwall.
The firm obtained
Corps of Engineers and Levee Board permits
in time to allow construction during low
river levels.
BKI designed a
jacketed, pile-supported, structural steel
platform with a precast concrete panel
deck that enhanced the stability of the
levee and was within the client's budget.
The design of the walls of the ramp
leading to the dock from the crown of the
levee serve as extensions of the
floodwalls, allowing the dock to be used
even during flood stages and maintaining
vehicular access along the levee
crown.
Business operations
at the existing dock were not interrupted
during levee work and the transition to
the new facility was accomplished without
any inconvenience to Port Ship Services,
Inc.'s clients and employees.
The total
construction cost was approximately $1.1
million.
