How do I reinforce my dock pilings with dolphins?
Question:I have a boat dock. about 14 X 26. It's against my seawall, in a tidal, hurricane prone area of FLA> I have piles on the outside. Two of which are very tall. I have a slide mooring system that allows my 42 ft powercat yacht to float up and down with tides. I am concerned that the piles could give way from the mud floor and riip the whole thing away in a good storm. Tidal surge wont be a problem as I have the ability to go about 10-15 ft above normal. I think I need to add dolphins to the existing piles. I see them installed around my neighborhood. Kinda like three shorter piles in a triangle, or pyramid shape attached to the main pile. I think it can be done with water pressure? Any thoughts? Thanx.
Answers:
Just a thought, but since you are trying to protect your investment (motor boat) wouldn't it be prudent to get a marine engineer's opinion instead of a bunch of know nothings? In case of a hurricane, I would run the boat up on a trailer and drive it to Atlanta.
If you are asking can the pilings be driven using water pressure, the answer is yes. I live on an island where there is no heavy equipment (pile drivers, etc.). Everybody sinks pilings with a water pressure nozzle usually made from a length of half inch or three quarter inch pipe.
Yes, you can jet them down. Before you do, just remember. The dock might be your's, but the bottom belongs to the state or federal government. Even if others have done it, they got lucky. Fines, and or removal of the dolphins is a good posibility if they start checking.
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