Proposed Aluminum Dok Walkway (80′ ADA Walkway)

Project Details

This project involves the comprehensive structural design and engineering of an 80-foot long aluminum ADA-compliant dock walkway. The system is engineered to provide safe, accessible passage between a fixed pier and a floating dock, featuring a custom aluminum flooring system and a structural assembly built with camber for added strength. The structure is composed of high-strength alloy 6061-T6 aluminum, including all tubes, plates, angles, and pipes used in the framing. The design and analysis were conducted in accordance with the 2014 NYC Building Code, ASCE 7-10, IBC 2009, and the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The engineering scope addressed various environmental and operational demands, including a 100 psf floor live load, 50 plf handrail loads, and resistance against 115 mph wind speeds (Exposure Category C) and 25 psf ground snow loads. The structural integrity was verified through rigorous modeling, including Holt’s method for buckling analysis of the top chords and Eigen modal analysis to ensure dynamic stability. The walkway incorporates specialized marine hardware, such as solid UHMW rollers or skid shoes and a swing-shackle shore mount with three axes of movement to accommodate fluctuating water levels. For user safety, hinged transition plates with an anti-skid ceramic core aluminum garnet coating are installed at both ends to ensure a smooth, slip-resistant transition. The structure is specifically designed to be fabricated and shipped in two sections.

Role

Structural Engineer/Designer

Services Provided

The scope of services included the preparation of structural analysis, design calculations, and structural plans for the proposed walkway bridge structure. Structural calculations included the development of a 3D analytical model of the structure, application of applicable loadings, and structural analysis and design optimization of all aluminum frame components to verify adequate strength, stability, and performance in accordance with project requirements. The services also included the generation of a structural calculation report documenting the analysis and design results. Structural drawings consisted of the walkway bridge framing plan, framing elevations, isometric views, and framing details required to clearly communicate the structural configuration, member arrangement, and construction requirements.