COPRI Lecture: Redevelopment of the Connecticut State Pier Complex

The ASCE Met Section COPRI chapter presents its first technical lecture of the year:

Placing and Compacting 400,000 Cubic-Yards of Fill in the Thames River for the Redevelopment of the Connecticut State Pier Complex, New London, Connecticut

1.0 PDH will be offered.

Speakers: James Marsland and Gregory DiMillio, GZA

Abstract: The State Pier complex in New London, Connecticut was redeveloped as a purpose-built facility for storing and loading heavy cargo, specifically offshore wind turbine components. The facility prior to redevelopment consisted of two adjacent piers with a deepwater berth between them, referred to as “Central Wharf”. The redesign intended to connect the two piers by filling Central Wharf and creating a solid-filled staging area. The infill of Central Wharf needed to be placed and compacted through 35 feet of water over a thin layer of soft organic silt present at the former mudline. The soft organic soils had to remain in place and could not be mobilized (mud wave) as the fill was placed. The project team developed an innovative, low-cost method to immobilize the organic silt prior to mass filling. The team then developed deep compaction strategies to meet the project specifications. The unique observational approach utilized provided a simple and low-cost solution to challenging site conditions.

Speaker Bios:

James Marsland, PE has been with GZA for his entire career; he started as an intern while pursuing his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Rhode Island (URI). After completing his undergraduate degree, Jim joined the Providence office full-time and earned an M.S. in Civil Engineering from URI. As part of the geotechnical team, Jim is experienced in multiple foundation types, ground improvement and marine facilities/bulkhead design. His specialty in working in Offshore Wind industry (OSW) has been instrumental in driving that work within GZA. He works with a variety of client types, including engineers, architects, and contractors. Jim is a registered Professional Engineer in multiple states.

Gregory DiMillio joined GZA in 2020 as an engineer in GZA Providence’s geotechnical group. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 2020 and from the University of Oklahoma with a M.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 2024. He has provided geotechnical engineering services for projects involving shallow and deep foundation construction, earthwork, subsurface explorations, ground improvement, and general construction observation. His experience includes on site observations of geotechnical construction, design and analysis of deep foundations, shallow foundations, retaining walls, and ground improvement. He was heavily involved in the Connecticut State Pier project in New London, CT.

Image courtesty of GZA

Host or Publisher ASCE Met Section COPRI Chapter