Graving Dock Rehabilitation
Childs Engineering was retained by General Dynamics Electric Boat to provide inspection, design, and construction support services for the rehabilitation of Graving Dock #3 through a multi-phase effort. Work began with extensive ultrasonic thickness and weld surveys of the dock’s pontoon, involving over 30,000 readings, along with a full structural inspection of the dock walls, mapping of cracks and spalls, and testing of mooring hardware.
Ferry Dock and Accessibility Improvements
Childs Engineering partnered with Seaport TMA and the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) to design and permit a new floating dock at Pier 10 to support expanded ferry service between East Boston, the Seaport District, and Boston Harbor. The project included pile repairs, removal of existing float piles, and a MAAB/ADA-compliant ramp system with dual gangways designed to accommodate tidal variation.
Memorial Wharf Rehabilitation
Childs Engineering performed a comprehensive inspection of the public waterfront facilities at Memorial Wharf, including topside, underdeck, and underwater assessments, and provided a detailed report with repair recommendations and cost estimates. Working closely with the Town of Edgartown, Childs developed a long-term plan to address structural needs and operational goals, leading to the design of a new steel and timber wharf to replace the aging timber pier as well as upgrades to the existing steel bulkhead providing much needed storm and sea level rise resiliency.
Private Recreational Pier Design
Childs Engineering was engaged by a private property owner to assess the feasibility of constructing a recreational pier along a rocky and environmentally sensitive shoreline in Nahant, MA. The project began with detailed hydrographic and topographic surveys to identify viable pier locations amid challenging site conditions, including tidal extremes and rough terrain.
Yacht Club Pier Replacement
Childs Engineering supported the Edgartown Yacht Club across several years with inspections, permitting, and the design of a new steel and timber pier to replace the aging structure. The project involved preserving the historically registered main hall building, which required innovative engineering and careful coordination. Childs led the permitting effort, securing approvals from local, state, and federal agencies through a detailed review process and multiple public hearings.
Recreational Facilities Design of Repairs
Childs Engineering performed topside and underwater inspections of the Newell and Weld Boathouse dock structures, located on opposite banks of the Charles River for Harvard University. A team of engineer divers assessed the overall condition of the fixed and floating pier components to identify deterioration and recommend necessary repairs.
Commonwealth Pier Revitalization
Childs Engineering provided engineering design and construction oversight for the revitalization of Commonwealth Pier at the World Trade Center in Boston, MA. The project included replacement sheet pile design, apron extensions, MAAB-compliant gangways and platforms, and accessible floats to support vessel access and water shuttle and ferry operations. We also designed structural repairs to the existing concrete deck and steel superstructure.
Berthing Upgrades to U.S. Coast Guard Eagle Homeport
Childs Engineering was contracted by the United States Coast Guard to find temporary and permanent homeports for the Coast Guards flagship cutter USCGC EAGLE. The initial investigation looked at two sites to provide a GAP analysis of the upgrades that would be needed at each site. The analysis looked at hydrographic, mooring, berthing, structural, electrical, mechanical, and communication requirements. Based on this Childs designed a temporary homeport at Pier 7 in New London and provided preliminary and final design documents, including cost estimates, for critical upgrades
Jonesport Dredge Services
Under a delivery order from the U.S. Coast Guard Civil Engineering Unit – Providence, Childs Engineering provided pre-dredge hydrographic surveys of the boat basin at Station Jonesport, Maine, in both 2011 and again in 2019. Following the survey work, Childs developed a comprehensive dredging program that included volume calculations, quality control documentation, and detailed cost estimates to support project funding.
Inspection, Analysis and Mooring Hardware Testing
Childs Engineering was contracted by the U.S. Navy to perform comprehensive waterfront inspections at 89 Naval facilities in Japan, and to evaluate the mooring hardware capacity at 13 fueling berths in Yokosuka and Sasebo. Using OPTIMOOR software, the team analyzed mooring layouts for commonly berthed vessels and assessed hardware for structural adequacy, including shear, overturning, sliding, and bearing capacities. Where needed, 3D models were developed to visualize potential modifications.