Building on decades of marine infrastructure history, the Venetian Marina and Yacht Club embarked on a major upgrade to its floating marina along Biscayne Bay. ECS was selected to provide geotechnical expertise and engineering analysis for the proposed development at 1635 N Bayshore Drive in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The project involved removing the existing floating marina and constructing a new marina with a ship store at the end of the middle pier. Our scope focused on the middle-fixed pier, requiring careful subsurface evaluation to support design and construction.
What role did ECS play in the Venetian Marina and Yacht Club upgrade?
ECS developed a subsurface exploration plan tailored to the unique conditions of Biscayne Bay. We proposed two Standard Penetration Test (SPT) borings to depths of approximately 75 feet below the existing ground surface. These borings were required for evaluating soil strength and composition, so that the new pier would be structurally sound and compliant with marine construction standards.
Executing this plan required specialized logistics. ECS coordinated with a subcontracted drill crew and mobilized a barge to perform borings in approximately 14 feet of water. The barge was positioned at an active fuel facility, demanding intricate scheduling and safety measures to avoid operational disruptions.
Once drilling was finished, soil samples were transported to ECS’ West Palm Beach laboratory for comprehensive testing. Our engineers analyzed key properties such as bearing capacity and settlement potential, translating these findings into actionable recommendations for the client. As a result of our data-driven process, the proposed pier design accounted for environmental constraints, including manatee protection requirements, while meeting structural performance goals.
What challenges did ECS face and how were they solved?
Performing borings within Biscayne Bay required careful planning due to water depth and environmental regulations. ECS’s use of a moored barge and coordinated scheduling allowed drilling to proceed without impacting marina operations. Design recommendations were also adapted to comply with wildlife protection requirements.
What is the history behind the Venetian Marina and Yacht Club?
Historical aerial photographs dating back to 1961 revealed the evolution of the marina—from a single T dock to the present floating structure built in 1984. This context informed our approach to the Venetian Marina and Yacht Club project and made sure that construction was compatible with existing site conditions. From complex marine environments to urban infrastructure, ECS delivers geotechnical solutions that keep projects moving forward—on time and on budget.