This $25.8 million combination Breakwater/Pier Structure was constructed in two phases for the United States Navy Homeport facility at Naval Station Everett in the state of Washington. The facility includes a 1500 ft long x 144 ft wide (457 x 43.9 m) pier and a 150 ft long x 144 ft wide (45.7 x 43.9 m) approach trestle. Precast/prestressed concrete was used cost effectively for the piles, deck panels and utilidor lids for the pier and vertical panel elements for the breakwater structure. Prior to construction, model testing was carried out to verify the function and strength of the breakwater panels. The complexity of the project stems from the dual functionality of a breakwater that had to be capable of upgrading to a useable berthing pier in the future. The purpose of this article is to present the conceptual design, structural design considerations for the breakwater, model testing, and construction highlights of the project, concentrating in particular on the precast concrete elements.
