Inspection and Structural Evaluation of Timber Pier: Case Study

Abstract

The paper is based on the results of a detailed underwater survey conducted in 1989 on the United States Navy timber pier in upper San Francisco Bay. The survey was performed within the framework of the large multiyear program set up by the U.S. Navy for the inspection and maintenance of its facilities worldwide. The paper describes causes of damage, its type and location, methods of quantitative structural evaluation, and repair strategy. Inspection findings indicated a very substantial upsurge in marine borer activity, which effectively put the 45‐yr old pier out of service during the last decade. Analysis of the dynamics of pile deterioration became possible due to continuous follow‐up observations. It clearly demonstrated the advantages of the multiyear inspection program. Structural evaluation revealed that partial replacement of timber piles infested by marine borers should be made using regular pattern, regardless of the observed local condition of timber piles at the time of inspection.