In January 2005, Kiewit Construction Company, a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation, was awarded a $32 million contract to provide long term repairs to Graving Dock #3 at the General Dynamics Electric Boat facility. A sheetpile cell catastrophically ruptured during dewatering operations at the dock in May 2004. Kiewit Construction Company was responsible for stabilizing the cell under an emergency contract and was awarded this follow-on project for their impressive performance.
The project includes construction of tied-back concrete retaining walls in front of the existing sheetpile wall. These walls will perform the function of the cellular sheetpile and mitigate any future threat of cell failures. Other work includes construction of east and west cast-in-place concrete platforms, elevator installation, walkway and mechanical work.
The concrete mix design developed for the project will provide low heat of hydration, enabling the concrete to cure without use of an internal cooling system or pipes. The low heat formula also develops early strength which facilitates quick turnaround of formwork, allowing the project team to meet the demanding work schedule.
The graving dock was watered up and ready for use in February 2006.