Innovative Engineering Solutions for Development of the Shoreline at the Potrero Power Station

Abstract: When industrial facilities along the shoreline are transitioned into mixed use and public spaces, marine and coastal engineers face many challenges for the repurpose. In addition to the conventional engineering, engineers must also consider evolving environmental factors, such as sea level rise (SLR), seismic slope instability, environmental regulations, and unknown site conditions. A successful transition requires innovative and site-specific solutions. The Potrero Power Station Project is one example that shows the successful transition of a 29-acre industrial site into a mixed-use redevelopment with 7 acres of new waterfront public spaces. The main objectives of the shoreline infrastructure upgrades are to safeguard the new developments from the impacts of SLR and shoreline seismic instability. This was achieved through various design solutions, including deep soil mixing (DSM) buttresses to combat seismically induced slope instability, a new pile-supported wharf to resist kinematic seismic loading, and several types of retaining walls to accommodate an 8 ft. new fill to raise the grade against future SLR. All of the design solutions were tailored to the specific site conditions to achieve optimization. This paper highlights numerous design challenges encountered in this shoreline engineering project and presents the successful solutions implemented. It also demonstrates how tailoring design solutions to unique field conditions enhances the resilience of the San Francisco waterfront development.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: Shoreline development has seen significant increases in activities and investment. The successful development and implementation of several innovative engineering solutions presents unique aspects of the waterfront engineering for the industry including engineers, developer and owners.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: This project entails several innovative engineering solutions that are tailored to the specific project locations, such as use of pile-supported wharf to mitigate seismic kinematic loads of a shoreline slope, deep soil mixing to stabilize the shoreline, and various types of seawalls to enhance resilience against SLR.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: The site was an industrial wasteland with contaminated and hazardous materials prior to the development. The waterfront renovation design must incorporate the environmental mitigation and regulation. The design successfully met the challenges.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: The intended audience for this paper is any design professional involvedt in the design and construction of waterfront structures. It offers insight into design considerations and field conditions that will impact the outcome of a waterfront project.