Marine storage facility enabling efficient boat handling, increased capacity and durable structural performance in a challenging coastal setting.
Marine storage facility enabling efficient boat handling, increased capacity and durable structural performance in a challenging coastal setting.
The project involved the construction of a new dry stack storage facility at Portland Marina in Dorset for marina operator Boatfolk. The development enhances the marina’s ability to store and manage marine vessels safely out of the water while providing fast launch and recovery for users. The facility provides secure storage for 132 boats while reducing maintenance demands associated with traditional wet berthing for the marina’s growing customer base. It complements the marina’s wider infrastructure, which includes hundreds of berths, lifting facilities, and marine engineering services.
AWA was responsible for the structural design and detailing of the dry stack building, which consists of a fully galvanised steel frame designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and year-round coastal exposure. Achieving stability was a key design challenge due to the lightweight building’s 19m tall and slender shape. To address this, tension piles were incorporated to prevent overturning under lateral wind loads. Providing a structural geometry compatible with the client’s vessel handling equipment was also vital for efficient operations.
To facilitate efficient construction, the steel structure was fully fabricated off site and assembled on site using bolted connections, enabling rapid erection of the 90m long building with minimal disruption within the working marina. AWA continues to inspect the structure, ensuring it maintains its function and performance for years to come.
AWA Consulting Engineers is a structural, civil, and marine engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has technical teams in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients typically across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA Consulting Engineers can help with your project, get in touch today. Email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, call 01794 524447 to speak to a member of our team.
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