The Tradepoint Atlantic (TPA) Inner Berth is located at the former Sparrows Point Plant Ore Dock of the Bethlehem Steel Mill. TPA acquired it in 2014 and immediately began transforming the 3,300-acre property into a multi-modal transportation hub, including support of the US offshore wind industry in Maryland. The inner berth was originally constructed in the early 1900s in three sections. The first two sections were comprised of concrete sheet pile and cap beams and the last section was built with steel sheet pile and H-piles with concrete cap beams. All sheet piles were laterally restrained with steel tie-rods connected to sheet pile cofferdams. Soft clays below the 20-25-ft of iron ore slag backfill caused the first two sections to experience settlement issues and they were underpinned in the mid-1900s.
TPA Inner Berth Structural Improvements
WBCM provided professional engineering services for the design, permitting, bidding, and construction documents to replace the existing sheet pile bulkhead. Structural drawings, specifications, calculations, and cost estimates were prepared. Bid documents were provided, including plans, specifications, and bid forms; permit applications were prepared and submitted; supporting documents/calculations/ reports for development, critical area, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management approvals were provided; and a building/grading permit application to Baltimore County was prepared and submitted. Construction phase services were provided, including review of shop drawings and submittals, RFIs, and consultation services.
