Liftech works on many steel and concrete float and pier projects for new and existing ferry and container terminals. A related ongoing project is the design and fabrication review of a floating fire station in San Francisco. Liftech is the lead marine design consultant for this design-build project and has designed a steel pier next to The Embarcadero; a steel access ramp between the pier and steel float; a steel float including fender supports, pile collars, crane and jet ski lift supports, fendering; and piling. The systems are designed to remain operational after a 100-year storm and design earthquake events.
The design-build team is working closely with the SF Fire Department to help ensure the new station will meet their needs. Fireboats will moor along the float, and jet skis will be deployed from lift systems so the firefighters can quickly respond to emergencies. Since firefighters will be spending significant amounts of time on the float, including eating and sleeping, the float is designed to limit the amount of motion. For example, the pile collars have dampers that will significantly mitigate the float’s impact with the piling.
The rendering is from Shah Kawasaki Architects, the architect for the project.