An historic world-class shipyard, Bath iron Works - a subsidiary of General Dynamics and a major builder of complex, technologically advanced naval vessels - required a significant facility modernization and shipway expansion to meet contract production deadlines. A value-engineered precast concrete redesign replaced the original cast-in-place plan for the pile-supported open wharf platform. An extensive precast concrete framing system provided the most efficient and durable solution to construct this large overwater shipbuilding platform in the harsh conditions of coastal Maine. Innovative detailing and a flexible precast redesign were key to meeting the owner’s accelerated schedule for critical shipbuilding capabilities. Moreover, the precast system enabled the contractor to overcome daunting site conditions, including a high mean water level, cold weather, tidal cycles and currents, strong winds, and the variable geotechnical substrate for this fast-track project.
