A UNIQUE PROJECT. A UNIQUE CHALLENGE. A UNIQUE SOLUTION.
LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT APPROACH
The irregular shape of the site posed the first challenge. At street level, the entranceway is roughly only 14 feet across. The lot size widens out as the property winds down and around the natural curve of the cliff before reaching the bay down below.
Bringing the rigs and equipment in on a barge seemed to be the most logical solution. But, like the tides of the bay, issues arose. Specifically, a barge could only come in at high tide, limiting the work schedule. Plus, there was the problem of finding a barge large enough to hold a seven-ton crane. After in-depth cost analyses, this approach was abandoned.
Another possible scenario involved building a dirt roadway down to the job site. But moving that much earth with heavy equipment in this limited access location could cause possible disturbance to the adjacent properties. One of the most important criteria of this project was that the stability of the surrounding homes on the cliff not be compromised. This approach was eliminated.
But then, a unique solution was developed thanks to the ingenuity of Dale Scheffler, President of D.J. Scheffler & Nye, and his team of engineers. Take the already proven techniques used on previous above-water projects—such as the building of the Santa Rosa Island Pier and the Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Pier—and adjust them to meet the specific needs of this project. Build a 171-foot-long trestle system, bent by bent, to create a working platform that allows for the efficient transport of large machinery and equipment to and around the limited-space job site.
Phase 1
DESIGNING A WORKING PLATFORM
Careful calculations and forethought are needed to build this working platform over the steeply sloping terrain of the property. This means that the trestle system must be stable enough to rise 20 feet above the ground in certain stretches and, at the same time, be strong enough to support a 140,000-pound crane lifting a 22,000-pound piece of steel. It will incorporate staging areas for the strategic placement of cranes, allowing them to move materials up and down the trestle system while ensuring that booms do not cross over property lines. All this, while providing drill rigs access to maneuver around the job site.
The work is just beginning. The limited space of the site makes for a challenging project. D.J. Scheffler & Nye is ready to take on this challenge.
Moving the I-Beams through the limited access entryway.
Yes, It’s A Work In Progress.
And You Can Watch Us Progress!
Please keep me up to date as this project develops!
D.J. Scheffler & Nye In The News
D.J. Scheffler & Nye has a rich history of working closely with architects, engineers and contractors. We provide excellent solutions with our expertise and vast array of equipment.
