Cadets of the future: Upgrading CSU’s maritime training facilities
At a glance
GHD was contracted as the design engineer of record for a progressive design-build process to design a new berthing facility and replace the existing pier at the California State University Maritime Academy.
The challenge
California State University (CSU) is replacing its 37-year-old campus centerpiece—Training Ship Golden Bear—with a new National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV), which will require a larger pier and docking facility.
The new infrastructure will be larger than the existing one, requiring building further offshore. The geotechnical characteristics of the deeper waters and the combination of soft bay mud and bedrock bottom have challenged GHD’s engineers to economically design a strong structure capable of withstanding large seismic events expected in the region. The depth to mudline and competent underlying rock material varies significantly from east to west along the pier, resulting in considerable differences in structural stiffness and pile length from one end to another. The piles also require deeper embedment due to a thick layer of soft bay mud below the mudline and greater depths to reach competent bedrock materials.
The design of the high-performance, resilient structure that will berth the new NSMV is under review with in-water construction anticipated to begin in August 2025. Construction of the new pier is expected to be finalized by October 2026. The pilings for the new structure must be installed during a specific time window between July and November to comply with permits protecting the local marine wildlife cycle.
Our response
As the design engineer of record on Otto Construction’s collaborative design-build team, GHD is providing engineering design services for the project and working closely with the client, contractor and stakeholders to overcome challenges and deliver the project on time.
The redesigned new training ship berthing facility and replacement of the existing pier considers the expansion of the facility, strengthening the existing causeway trestle, complete replacement of the pier, addition of new mooring dolphins, upgrades to the small vessel boat basin, expansion of the marine logistics yard, utility upgrades, demolition and replacement of the existing breakwater and demolition of two modular buildings.
The steel and concrete structure of the new pier is being designed following California Building Code Standards and the American Society of Civil Engineers Standard for Seismic Design of Piers and Wharves (ASCE-61) to remain fully operable after the design earthquake. The extended breakwater design provides a larger sheltered area from strong currents, waves and wind exposure within the boat basin. The mooring dolphins, which will be connected to the main pier with aluminum walkways for access and line handling, can handle significant mooring line loads, allowing the NSMV to remain at berth even in heavy weather.
The impact
The project will result in a state-of-the-art facility that meets the Maritime Academy's operational and educational needs while enhancing the safety, security and sustainability of the waterfront.
This collaborative effort will enable CSU Maritime Academy to continue achieving its goal of cultivating the highest caliber of licensed officers and personnel for public service and national marine industries with the newest, most technologically advanced and mission-flexible vessel available today.
*Photo courtesy of WRNS Studio