A significant transformation is underway onboard a military installation in Newport, Rhode Island. The bulkhead replacement project is not just about updating the infrastructure; it's about providing a solid foundation for future improvements.

The contractor for this project, Reagan Marine Construction (Reagan Marine), brings more than 50 years of experience in marine and waterfront construction. Specializing in pile driving, steel sheeting installation, demolition, and dredging, Reagan Marine has a proven track record of completing complex projects for various military clients. 

Reagan Marine's expertise and dedication to safety, quality, and productivity have been instrumental in the success of this project. The project began with a clear vision: to replace the existing bulkhead system, providing a new and solid foundation for further improvements that will achieve the demands of current and future military activities.  The first step was to remove a portion of the existing pier, a task that proved challenging due to the deteriorated condition of the old concrete filled steel piles.

Enter the ICE® 22 Vibratory Driver/Extractor. This piece of equipment quickly became the hero of the project. Initially brought in because Reagan Marine's own ICE® Model 416 and ICE® Power Pack needed maintenance. After a quick call to their local ICE® Sales and Service Team, an ICE® 22 was rented and its efficiency in the tough driving conditions of the area quickly made it indispensable. Even after their ICE® 416 was repaired, the experts at Reagan chose to keep the ICE® 22 on site, proving its worth time and again. 

By pairing the ICE® 22 with an ICE® Model 55 Clamp, the Reagan team tackled the extraction of the old concrete-filled steel piles. These piles, buried deep and in poor condition, needed to be removed to make way for the new combi-wall. The ICE® 22, with its superior performance, made this daunting task much more manageable, easily breaking through the hard layers and significantly increasing efficiency and aiding in keeping the project on time. To further contribute to its success, the ICE® 22 guarantees peak performance with its robust and flexible hoses that are built to withstand high pressures and harsh environments. Once completed, the new combi-wall will consist of alternating 24" diameter pipes and PZC-19 sheet piles. This structure, tied back to a concrete and HP deadman system, promises to provide the strength and durability needed for future improvements.  During this project, an ICE® I-19-V2 Diesel Impact Hammer was also used to drive the pier support piles to their design bearing capacity, ensuring the stability and integrity of the existing pier, given its condition. 

Throughout the project, the Reagan Marine crews faced numerous challenges, from time constraints to difficult soil conditions. But the reliability of ICE® equipment, particularly the rented ICE® 22, helped overcome these obstacles. The ICE® Model 55 Wood Jaw Clamp effectively transmitted vibratory forces, ensuring efficient extraction of the concrete piles and saving valuable time. This project is more than just a construction endeavor; it's a crucial step in boosting the efficiency of operations on the installation. The new bulkhead and pier will serve as a solid foundation for future uses and improvements, allowing flexibility as their operational demands change.

As the area is a strategic military hub, enhancing its infrastructure ensures it remains a vital location for operations and research. This project, with its blend of modern techniques and reliable equipment, is a testament to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved. 

In the end, the success of this project is a story of innovation, perseverance, and trust in reliable equipment. According to Reagan Marine, the ICE® 22 and other ICE® tools have proven their worth, helping to turn a challenging project into a triumph of modern engineering. Reagan Marine has "trusted ICE® for pile driving equipment, parts, and service due to the reliability and variety of their equipment, as well as the excellent support we receive when we have questions for many years." International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) works hard to maintain the long-standing relationships with our clients based on the reliability of our equipment and the exceptional service they have come to expect. Fantastic work, Reagan Marine Construction! The local community and stakeholders are sure to extend their heartfelt thanks for the exceptional work and dedication to enhancing this important portion of infrastructure.

Disclaimer: The appearance of this information does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) or the Department of the Navy (DoN) for the products or services contained in this release. The DoD and DoN do not have editorial control over the information contained on this website or page.