MEMBER PROFILE – CONTRACTOR
The WETA SF project’s location presents a number of logistical
challenges, including the requirement to maintain operations
at WETA’s existing downtown ferry gate. The ferry gate accommodates
130 arrivals and departures each day. Construction
started in June 2017, with
Power using two of its derrick
barges simultaneously.
Power’s pile driving crews
began the installation of
154 steel pilings, some with
a diameter as large as 36
inches and 157 feet long
in order to reach the dense
sand lens of San Francisco
Bay. These piles have been
designed to withstand
potential impacts during a
major seismic event.
Prior to pile driving,
Power completed the
demolition of Pier 2 and
dredging of the ferry terminal
turning basin – all done with no impact on pedestrian and
vehicle traffic along the bustling urban waterfront. Scheduling
and delivery of materials had to be carefully coordinated as all
materials were brought to the site by water, using barges.
Not the least of the challenges, the project carries an array of
environmental regulatory requirements, including all in-water construction
must be done within a six-month window to protect the
area’s marine wildlife. In late November 2017, Phase Two – all the
remaining ferry terminal construction – of the project began with
an expected completion date of fall 2019.
Success in such complex projects begins with meticulous
planning. Before any
work starts, detailed work
plans are drawn up that
include: step-by-step procedures,
equipment to be
used, potential hazards,
lift plans, CAD drawings
and detailed sequencing –
nothing is left to chance.
These work plans are
reviewed with crews prior
to starting any new work
and again whenever conditions
change.
Safety is paramount
at Power and considered
every step of the way.
Annual safety training for
the entire company is non-negotiable; all personnel in the field
(employees and subcontractors) must complete a variety of safety
training modules and keep training current. The company has
two full-time, dedicated CHST-certified safety managers on
staff, and a detailed database leaves nothing to chance.
Weekly safety meetings, specialty staff meetings and safety
training are based on the risks of each job. Working on the San
72 | ISSUE 2 2018
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