In the summer of 2000 Riggs Engineering carried out a preliminary investigation of the concrete west breakwater at Erieau. The level of funding was established by PWGSC’s client department at $750,000 and we proceeded with detailed design. Philip Lampkin was the lead design engineer while some design development and quality assurance was carried out by Brian Riggs. During the design development we became aware of
the current favourable tendering environment for contractors. At the same time the client
department wanted a more comprehensive repair program than initially envisioned.

An exhaustive review of the specification was completed to identify any items that could raise costs beyond the project budget. The site was once again reviewed with a geotechnical engineer and final changes were made to the tender documents.

Tenders closed on budget and a contract was awarded with a completion target of December 2000. The project had detailed forming and concrete placement requirements. Because of the project complexity Philip Lampkin was on site full time for the initial two months of the project. The contractor proposed overbuilding the width of the structure to allow vehicle access over the full length of the structure. While the concept was sound he had not fully developed all the consequences of such a construction method. He attempted to develop his methods and details “on the fly”. Mr. Lampkin’s presence on-site ensured sound engineering decisions were made in a timely fashion to ensure project success.

The early on set of winter was preceded by a very windy month of November and the contractor was not able to complete the work within the specified time of completion. Riggs Engineering worked closely with the contractor to refine methods and to determine adequate weather protection that would allow the project to proceed in winter conditions. Mr Dean Denniss very ably replaced Mr. Lampkin on site and the contractor proceeded to place over 300 cubic metres of concrete during a severe winter.