Floating attenuator meets Club's requirements

by Media Services on 13 Sep 2006 Bellingham Marine has just completed the construction of a 150.0 metre long floating wave attenuator and inner marina for the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron at Kirribilli. The Squadron was established in 1862 and The Clubhouse established at Wudyong Point, in 1903.

This superb location gives immediate access to Sydney’s world renowned Harbour but provides a challenging wave climate for boat berthing.

For many years the Club had been well served by a 90.0 metre long floating 'breakwall' comprising of two independent sections, secured to the seafloor by an anchoring system. When it became clear that maintenance costs against replacement cost should be considered, the Club sought an alternative mooring system that would satisfy Development Approval conditions to build a low profile structure in this highly sensitive harbour location. The Club also wanted to expand the Pond Area directly in front of the main building for berthing of vessels. This was to be achieved by adding 60.0 metres to the original length of the floating 'breakwall'. Within the Pond Area, a new 60.0 metre by 3.0 metre arm was introduced adjacent to the Squadron’s hardstand area to effectively double the available berthing space.

The Council agreed to the replacement and extension of the 'breakwall' but required that no piles be seen above the floating surface. As the Club did not want to use an anchoring system with the new project, contractors were sought with the expertise to design and install a suitable piling system that would comply with this constraint.

Bellingham Marine was selected for its innovative solution to provide a ‘telescopic’ piling system and for its track record with innovative design, for delivering economic and quality floating systems and experience with 'wave attenuation' at challenging sites. The piling system involved two parts, one secured into the seabed to provide lateral stability and the second attached to the pontoon below the walking surface to transfer wave and boat loads to the support pile. The two components overlapped to accommodate tide and wave fluctuation. A feature of the final design of the attenuator was the introduction of a 100 metre radius curve to contain the attenuator pontoon within lease boundaries.

The attenuator section incorporated a central trench over its full length. This trench provided drainage for overtopping wave conditions and facilities for services including fire fighting, power and water reticulation. This trench was covered using an open mesh fibreglass material.

Bellingham Marine was able to accommodate the requirements of The Squadron marina committee to individualise the new facility by fitting the fender system developed by them to protect a wide variety of sailing craft. Bellingham Marine also produced and installed a standard cleat profile in bronze and was pleased to install the committee’s selected and customised services pedestals.

As the world's leading marina design/build construction company, Bellingham Marine produces Unifloat saltwater systems, Unideck freshwater systems and Unistack dry storage systems for marinas worldwide.

Public Relations Contact: Bellingham Marine, P.O. Box 8, Bellingham, WA 98227; ph. 360-676-2800 fax. 360-734-2417.

Regional Contact: Bellingham Marine Australia, Pier 35 Marina Complex, Suite 11a, 263-329 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia; ph. 613-9646-6744 fax. 613-9646-6844