Log 24

Log Date: December 23, 2011

Marking Period 2

Green Pier

Work Started

• STEMM Midterm Assignment

Work Completed

• Pictures for the introduction to STEMM Midterm
• AutoCAD screenshots
• Material lists formatted and printed

Reminders

• STEMM midterm done by mid-year
• Put together AutoCAD drawings

Log 23

Log Date: December 21, 2011

Marking Period 2

Green Pier

Work Started

• STEMM Midterm Assignment

Work Completed

• Added pictures to midterm assignment
• Added engineering and manufacturing types to midterm assignment

Reminders

• STEMM midterm done by mid-year

Log 22

Log Date: December 16, 2011

Marking Period 2

Green Pier

Work Started

• STEMM Midterm Assignment

Work Completed

• First section midterm assignment

Reminders

• STEMM midterm done by mid-year

Log 21

Log Date: December 14, 2011

Marking Period 2

Green Pier

Work Started

• STEMM Midterm Assignment

Work Completed

• Hardware list
• Press Release

Reminders

• Need cut out view from AutoCAD drawing

Bulkhead Placement

Research on Sound Bulkhead

Why should I choose Sound Bulkhead?
Sound Bulkhead sets the industry standard for bulkhead design. We also have perfected efficient and effective methods for installation and have the equipment to do the job right. This saves our customers time and money while assuring the quality of construction that you will be proud to have as a visible improvement to your property.

How does Sound Bulkhead warranty their work?
When we use granite, your bulkhead will be warranted for structural defects in material and workmanship for as long as you own your property. This warranty protects against abrasive wear, erosion of product or adjacent soil surfaces, and cracking that causes a structural defect. If you sell your property your wall is warranted for 6 years from the date of installation.

Why should rock be used for my Sound Bulkhead construction project?
Spaces between stone allows water to escape rapidly to reduce the weight behind and within the structure. The exchange, caused by tidal and ground water movement is a major consideration in any bulkhead application. Rocks are placed in an interloc king pattern which further increases structural integrity. As water inundates a solid concrete wall at high tide, piped drainage systems may not be able to release water quickly enough to avoid “hydraulic push out” or total wall failure. Blocks, laid up in rows may create “hinge-points“ where the wall may be bent forward along a straight line between rows. During times of extreme back-pressure from tidal drop or heavy rains, “hinge points” may contribute to the collapse of the wall. Another reason is that rocks dissipate wave energy much better than a flat surface. This helps to prevent “scour” a major cause of bulkhead failure.

What rock should be used for my Sound Bulkhead construction project?
Although we can use your choice of stone for construction, we recommend granite for structural durability. This rock, formed by granular igneous process, is preferred because of its uniform consistency and purity. In addition, stone has a natural binding quality and high coefficient of friction which adds stability to construction. Other types of rock, such as basalt, are formed by volcanic activity and are actually lava castings. Basalts often have imbedded impurities which may cause inconsistency and defects. These defects may not be apparent until a year or more has past in the salt water environment. They also may have a smother surface and can slide against each other, thus detracting from the structural integrity of a wall.

What type of foundation does Sound Bulkhead build its walls upon?
Sound Bulkhead sets base rock in a trench or “key-way” which provides lateral support for the toe of the bulkhead. Since water scour and undermining is a major consideration for all types of bulkheads, the depth required for maximum protection may vary according to soil conditions. Exposed embankment is minimized as soils are replaced with rock in short segments during excavation. This process protects against bank failure during construction.

What equipment will Sound Bulkhead use to install my bulkhead?
Sound Bulkhead uses specialized barges to allows us to land high on the beach to minimize impact to your property and the shellfish environment. In addition, our barges can carry all the materials for several jobs. This helps to defray the costs of mobilization which can be shared between projects. One or more of our several excavators fitted with a special rotating rock grapple allows us the manual dexterity to place the rock on your bulkhead skillfully to maximize shoreline protection.

http://soundrockproducts.com/faqs.htm

Updated View of Piling Placement

The pilings have been placed along the outside of the piers and will be attached with piling hoops.

Press Release

The following piece is an excerpt from the press release that was produced for the project.

Dock Hardware

Log 20

Log Date: December 7, 2011

Marking Period 2

Green Pier

Work Started

• Press Release
• Dock hardware material list

Work Completed

• Nails, corner brackets, etc. calculated for material list

Reminders

• Press Release due Dec. 12
• Need cut out view from AutoCAD drawing

Log 19

Log Date: December 7, 2011

Marking Period 2

Green Pier

Work Started

• Press Release

Work Completed

• Finished detailed AutoCAD drawing

Reminders

• Press Release due Dec. 12
• Need cut out view from AutoCAD drawing

Railings, Posts, and Baluster Additions

Log 18

Log Date: December 2, 2011

Marking Period 2

Green Pier

Work Started

• Continued updates of AutoCAD drawing

Work Completed

• Material list completed
• Added railing posts
• Balusters finished

Reminders

• AutoCAD drawing needs to be updated to be more specific
• Press Release due Dec. 12

Joist and Footing Addition

(Bottom view)

The decking now consists of each board that will be placed exactly 3/8" apart. The joists have all been added to the drawing, as well as footings and caps for the pilings.

Log 17

Log Date: November 23, 2011

Marking Period 2

Green Pier

Work Started

• Continued updates of AutoCAD drawing

Work Completed

• Added joists
• Support structures added
• Caps for support structures designed

Reminders

• AutoCAD drawing needs to be updated to be more specific
• Need complete material list to start realistic model
• Press Release due Dec. 12

Material List

Log 16

Log Date: November 18, 2011

Marking Period 2

Green Pier

Work Started

• Began work on STEMM midterm
• Started Press Release document
• Continued to update AutoCAD drawing

Work Completed

• Received calendar updates and due dates

Reminders

• AutoCAD drawing needs to be updated to be more specific
• Need complete material list to start realistic model
• Press Release due Dec. 12

Log 15

Log Date: November 16, 2011

Marking Period 2

Green Pier

Work Started

• Calculations of nails, bolts, etc. needed for piers

Work Completed

• Basic material list finished

Reminders

• AutoCAD drawing needs to be updated to be more specific
• Need complete material list to start realistic model

Construction Schedule

Research on Pearson Fiberglass Composite Pilings

New marinas and docks, fishing piers, municipal bulkheads and bridges demand the strongest, most durable pilings available. Pearson Fiberglass Composite Pilings are stronger than wood, steel or concrete and last virtually forever. They require no maintenance and will rarely need to be replaced even after several years of hard use. Demolition and removal of old pilings may also be avoided by installing Pearson Pilings over existing ones.
The unique properties of fiberglass composite pilings make them an ideal building material for a wide variety of applications where superior strength and durability are required. From artificial reefs to elephant retaining walls, from bridge fendering systems to commercial building foundations, engineers and architects are finding new and unusual applications for Pearson Fiberglass Composite Pilings every day.
Best of all, Pearson Pilings are environmentally friendly. If you're building "Green," you'll want to specify only Pearson Fiberglass Composite Pilings.
There is extremely low water vapor transmission, very low moisture absorption and no solubility in water in any of the materials in our pilings. They also contain no harmful chemical coatings than can leach into the surrounding soil or water. Our pilings are inert and unaffected by the environment, and they have no deleterious affect on the environment.

http://www.pearsonpilings.com/commercial.html

Log 14

Log Date: November 9, 2011

Marking Period 2

Green Pier

Work Started

• Edited AutoCAD model
• Began additions of details
• Started compiling materials list

Work Completed

• Formal Progress Update presented

Reminders

• Need to get work started on model

Log 13

Log Date: October 28, 2011

Marking Period 1

Green Pier

Work Started

• Began work on outline
• Notes for presentation

Work Completed

• AutoCAD drawing revised to match model more precisely

Reminders

• Presentation November 1st
• Outline and all prior work due October 31st

Log 12

Log Date: October 26, 2011

Marking Period 1

Green Pier

Work Started

• Surveyed the land to get elevations

Work Completed

• Ramps on the model elevated
• Docks layed out on model according to scale
• Bulkhead finished on model
• Finished the model

Reminders

• Presentation November 1st

Research on Trex Deck

Trex decking products can be used in dock applications. Trex contains no materials that will
harm marine life and is safe for the environment. Many docks have been built with Trex decking.
As long as dock is in intermittent contact with water, i.e., splashing and not in continuous direct
contact with water, the durability of the Trex decking should not be affected.
Two minor revisions to the installation guidelines are recommended. For docks we recommend a
3/8” width to width gap between boards to allow for increased drainage due to increased contact
with water. In addition, stainless steel fasteners should also be utilized
Finally, if there is sufficient contact with the dock and gasoline, grounding of the dock is also
recommended.

Trex, approved by most building codes, is sold in most standard dimensions, including 5/4x6 in. and 2-by.

http://www.trex.com/

Log 11

Log Date: October 21, 2011

Marking Period 1

Green Pier

Work Started

• Continued working on model

Work Completed

• Measured and cut foam board
• Set out proportions for the model

Reminders

• Model due October 24th

Research on American Plastic Lumber

 American Plastic Lumber Docks and Boardwalks

Docks and boardwalk application for recycled plastic lumber include:

• Docks and Piers
• bumpers for large ships
• walkways and bull rail
• Decking on ships

Plastic lumber is even strong enough to stop large equipment from backing into the water,

and is guaranteed to last more than 50 years. We provide these products in many

different colors and sizes.

http://www.american-plasticlumber.com/docks.html

Research on Connect-A-Dock

Home & Commercial

A season's worth of adventures await with your floating dock, including parties, sunbathing, fishing and boating. A Connect-A-Dock system will prove to be a worthwhile addition to the value of your property. Commercial applications use the 2000 SERIES - (HP) dock because of its modularity. These docks can be expanded to any width or length, making it easy to accommodate customers with additional docking slips or reconfiguring for various-sized boats.

Simple installation and extreme durability
Providing the ultimate flexibility in configuration, simple installation and extreme durability, the 2000 Series-High Profile Connect-A-Dock, floating dock, Series is the logical choice for extending your waterfront enjoyment. Its unique connection system allows you to be configured (and re-configured) in an unlimited variety of shapes to suit your particular needs.

Environmentally safe
The lightweight float sections can be assembled with a wrench (in addition to anchoring). The environmentally safe polyethylene surface assures season after season of low-maintenance service. The UV-protected, puncture-resistant deck is color-molded with a slip-resistant surface that sheds water and the sun's extreme temperature.

Applications
Floating dock slip
PWC ports
Boat launch/ramps
Floating dock for cabins and farm ponds
Airplane docks for fly-in fishing
Moorings for boats
Floating decks
Ideal in fluctuating water levels
Industrial

Benefits
Adjusts to fluctuating water conditions
Modular design
Easy to install
Wood grain anti-skid surface
UV protected
Environmentally friendly
Does not contain CCA
Add-on capability
Salt water safe
8-Year product warranty

Attractive presence on the waterfront
2000 Series-High Profile (HP) creates a substantial and attractive presence on the waterfront. Its modular design and rugged construction make Connect-A-Dock the simplest, most reliable way to build floating decks and boat docks for larger boats at home, in resorts and at marinas.
Use it to provide safe and enjoyable access to the water for your family, customers and the community! Since the dock is made of durable polyethylene, it will last through harsh conditions. Boaters can rest easy that the dock will not mark or puncture their boat, and they'll appreciate the easy transition from boat to dock.

Dock Cross Section:
The photo shows the bottom coming up to support the top, which prevents a soft marshmallow feel when walking on the surface.
The photo also shows how thick the walls of the dock are which leads into a durable and puncture resistant float.
Our products are hollow with no polystyrene beads (environmentally friendly).
Color is throughout the wall-- If you scratch it, it will be the same color.
Closely spaced support ribs provide rigidity underfoot, while the unique design of the float chambers trap air on the surface of the water for additional buoyancy.


http://www.connectadock.com/dock/2000Series/2000index.asp

Log 10

Log Date: October 19, 2011

Marking Period 1

Green Pier

Work Started

• Started work on model

Work Completed

• Testing procedures added to blog
• Research on Sandy Hook climate
• Research on conditions of use
• Research on end user

Reminders

• Model due October 24th

Log 9

Log Date: October 12, 2011

Marking Period 1

Green Pier

Work Started

• Worked on AutoCAD drawing

Work Completed

• Bulkhead completed in AutoCAD drawing
• All materials added
• Support beams fully designed

Reminders

• AutoCAD drawings due Oct. 14th

Log 8

Log Date: October 7, 2011
Marking Period 1
Green Pier

Work Started

• Worked on AutoCAD drawing

Work Completed

• Adjusted support beam heights to correspond with water depth
• Added water depth lines
• Added bulkhead and bulkhead material

Reminders

• AutoCAD drawings due Oct. 14th

Approximate Bulkhead Placement

The bulkhead will be placed approximately in this position. The final placement will correspond with the shape of the land more precisely.

Approximate Water Depth Chart

This chart displays the approximate water depths according to a chart constructed by the National Park Service.

Research for Installing Posts in the Water for a Pier

Tips

• Determine the soil characteristics of the lake, lagoon or stream bed you are installing your piles into.
• Rock will be unyielding, obviously, so this technique will not work, and silty, muddy material will not support the pier structure. Sandy material is ideal for jetting pilings, but any firm soil will allow jetting.
• Pilings will become buoyant and "lose the weight" necessary to push them down deeper than 5-6 feet (that's below water level, not below bottom level). In areas where winter ice uplift is a problem, setting the pilings deeper is needed.
• Some bottoms are tough, clayey, or full of shells. Pilings may need help "jetting" down by turning.
• This technique is fairly simple in shallow water, but it is very difficult to accomplish if you must have a boat do work off of.
• Most water ways, rivers, and bays are jurisdictional, and permits are required for both construction of piers and using jetting to install piling.

Warnings

• Any lifting equipment must be checked by a registered engineer for safety

Things You'll Need

• Permission from the landowner
• Water pump or water supply
• Jetting pipe
• Piling

http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Posts-in-the-Water-for-a-Dock-or-Pier

Log 7

Log Date: October 5, 2011
Marking Period 1
Green Pier

Work Started

• Worked on AutoCAD drawing

Work Completed

• Designed support structure
• Added ramps to drawing
• Materials applied to drawing
• Adjusted ramp heights
• Railings on drawing completed

Reminders

• AutoCAD drawings due Oct. 14th

Preliminary AutoCAD Dock Design

An updated view of the progress of the AutoCAD dock drawing.

Log 6

Log Date: September 30, 2011
Marking Period 1
Green Pier

Work Started

• Worked on AutoCAD drawing
• Updated background information

Work Completed

• Fixed specifications, limitations, and design brief
• Fixed rationale report

Reminders

• Need to improve background information- more specific
• AutoCAD drawings due Oct. 14th

Log 5

Log Date: September 28, 2011
Marking Period 1
Green Pier
Work Started

• Started AutoCAD drawings of piers
• Fixed up background information
• Researched permanent pile docks

Work Completed

• Contacted mentor
• Fixed background information

Reminders

• Need to improve all information provided
• AutoCAD drawings due Oct. 14th

Research on Permanent Docks

Permanent Pile Docks

The permanent pile dock is a heavyweight, long-term version of the pipe dock - still a ramp on long legs, but definitely not portable. Instead of resting on the surface of submerged lands (as the legs of pipe docks do), long poles of wood or tubes of steel or plastic - all referred to as piles - are sunk into the earth, either by force or by being set in pre-drilled holes. Either way, because of the heavy-duty equipment required, a pile dock is not the stuff of home workshop projects.

Piles should always be braced to prevent sway, and although there are no theoretical limits to depth, if the exposed portion of the pile extends 7.5 metres (approximately 25 feet) or more above supportive soil, construction costs will skyrocket. 

The permanent pile dock shares many of the environmental advantages of the pipe dock - minimal contact with submerged lands, free flow of water underneath, and the ability to build a relatively narrow dock that is still quite stable. Sunk deep in the ground, piles made of wood, steel, or plastic make a great base for a stable dock.

http://customboardwalks.com/dock-primer/176.html

Log 4

 

Log Date: September 23, 2011

Marking Period 1

Green Pier

 

Work Started

• Updated weblog
• Cleaned up the rationale report

Work Completed

• Rationale report finished and posted
• Scanned alternate solutions

Reminders

• Autocad drawings due October 14th

Alternate Solutions

*see Rationale Report for descriptions

Rationale Report

My part in the Green Pier project was to design the piers. For the piers, I have come up with 4 different alternate solutions. Overall, the piers had to meet many specifications. They had to be useful and work well. They have to be usable and appeal to visitors who will be using the piers for different purposes- such as fishing- both professionally and recreationally, and viewing the water. The piers must be desirable and appealing to whoever may be visiting. With all these factors in mind, I proceeded to create a design matrix to and a list of design expectations to decide which solution was the most viable solution for the project. The solution that got the most points was alternate solution 2, so I decided to go with that choice.

Design Matrix

In order to decide which alternate solution would be best suited for the project, I created a design matrix. The solution with the highest total number was the best solution.
In the end, with 18 points, Alternate Solution 2 seemed to be the best choice overall.

In order to settle on a material for the piers, I created a second design matrix. The solution with the highest total number was the best solution.
In the end, with 13 points, Trex Deck was the best choice overall.

Testing Procedures

Introduction
The final solution of this project is a pier designed to be suitable to fishing, touring, and other recreational activites. A bulkhead will run along the coast of the beach behind the piers to stop erosion of the land behind it. The finished product should meet all the previously magnified specifications and limitations. The piers will be useful to both professional fishermen and recreational tourists. It will provide enough room to meet the needs of all its visitors. It must pass a safety check in order to ensure its stability. The pier must be structurally sound while still maintaining an atmosphere that is plausible for any and all visitors. The points that must be tested are the pier support beams, materials, structure, and the bulkhead's ability to stand against rough ocean waves. My group and I, the National Park Service, and the Systems Engineering instructors will be administering the testing. The piers and bulkhead must be tested at the site in any and all apparent weather of the Sandy Hook area.


Testing Stages
Preliminary Testing- Exploratory
1. Meet and discuss solutions with the group to ensure all of the solutions fit together.

• Meet with the group
• Discussion of all our solutions down to every last detail
• Decide whether or not project ideas are fitting together as planned

2. Speak with mentor about dock structure to ensure the dock is structurally safe and sound.

• Ask about support beams and railings- make sure safety rules are in check
• Revise any and all small discrepancies that could affect the final solution

3. Check with teachers to make sure all plans are feasible and correct.

• Meet with the teachers
• Show final design solutions
• Ask about its viability and advice on how to fix anything that may be off
• Fix all minor and major discrepancies in the solutions before moving forward

Secondary Testing- Assessment
1. Bring all final solutions back together to determine feasibility.

• Is the concept workable? All pieces must fit together and work together to achieve the final product of a neatly constructed recreational area.
• Check with teachers to make sure they agree that the final solution is 100% feasible.
• Contact mentors for updated information and advice on any and all improvements.

2. Decide whether or not all the solutions are the best  way to achieve the final product.

• If there are any other ideas, they will be presented now at the latest.
• All possible solutions must be brought back to mind to determine whether or not this is the best solution.
• Ask for outside opinions- this area will be open to the public, so the best judge will be the public itself.

3. Is the final solution usable and useful to visiting tourists and fishermen?

• Make sure users are comfortable in such an environment
• Ask relatives, family, friends about what they personally think about the layout
• Use these opinions to add new concepts or better reform the final solution

Tertiary Testing- Validation
1. Check back to all specifications and limitations.

• Use a checklist to ensure the final structure meets all the requirements.
• If the design does not meet all requirements, return to the preliminary testing stage.

Quaternary Testing- Comparison
1. Make sure that the site is more user-friendly, eco-friendly, and stable than the previous site.

• Compare to original site by visitation
• Use the following survey to get user opinions

Log 3

Log Date: September 20, 2011

Marking Period 1

Green Pier

Work Started

• Rationale report to decide what alternate solution will work best with all other designs.
• Updated design expectations

Work Completed

• Finalized blog layout
• Met with mentor- discussed design and layout
• Refined alternate solutions to fit better with promenade plans

Reminders

• Need to finish rationale report by Friday

Design Expectations

• Useful
• Ease of access
• Bulkhead will prevent further erosion of the beach
• Piers provide extra area for fishermen

• Usable
• Piers will be available and convenient for use of visitors and fishermen.
• Will have fishing pier and a visitor pier
• Benches for visitors
• Viewpoint

• Desirable
• Will look neat and professional
• Have a natural feel to the area
• Bulkhead will look natural and keep the environment looking neat and sturdy

• Producible
• The piers will be permanent pile piers
• Very structurally sound and sturdy
• Build from green materials

• Differentiated
• Green materials better for environment
• Natural rock bulkhead will withstand more than timber bulkhead

Log 2

Log Date: September 16, 2011

Marking Period 1

Green Pier

Work Started

• Selection of bulkhead material- rock
• Designating locations of the pier
• Added extra alternate solutions for layout

Work Completed

• All blogs are up and running
• Met face-to-face with mentor
• Redesigned piers

Reminders

• More research on how to build piers
• More research on permanent pile docks

Survey Pictures of Pier/Dock Area

Log 1

Log Date: September 9, 2011

Marking Period 1

Green Pier

Work Started

• Discussed summer work
• Discussed alternate solutions
• Pier materials disucssed- Trex Deck

Work Completed

• The group has sorted out our roles and determined who is doing what; I am constructing the piers and the bulkhead
• Visited the construction area
• Determined bulkhead vs plant location- bulkhead 1 foot in from the shore

Reminders

• Figure out pier number

Limitations

• The pier length is limited to the surrounding water depth. When the water depth is deeper than 6 feet, additional weight may be necessary to keep the piles in place.
• The maximum pier width is limited to 20 feet.
• The bulkhead can only extend as far as the specified area.
• The bulkhead is limited to being placed no further than 1 foot into the beach.
• The materials used are limited to only eco-friendly materials.

Specifications

• The piers must be built within the regulations of the National Park Service and the government.
• The piers must be beneficial to both recreational and professional fishermen.
• The entire structure must pass an inspection that ensures it is safe for visitor use.
• The entire structure must be structurally sound.
• The entire structure must be built with all eco-friendly materials.
• The bulkhead must be sturdy enough to withstand the effects of ocean waves without failing.
• The bulkhead must be made of eco-friendly materials.
• The bulkhead must look natural.

The area where the pier and bulkhead will be constructed.

Research

IntroductionMy role in this project is to design a pier along the shore of Sandy Hook that will be structurally fit and stable and be made entirely of "green" materials. I will also be designing a bulkhead to control beach erosion. The pier will be open to visitors between the months of May through September. The goal is to design a structurally sound pier while still maintaining an eco-friendly environment.

Problem
Water pollution is becoming a major issue in today’s environment. Many people fail to recognize the severity of this issue. Water pollution occurs when pollutants like industrial waste products are discharged into the water without proper treatment. The effects of water pollution are very dangerous to both the organisms living in the water, and those who live on land. Processes like eutrophication can occur and kill off organisms and natural biological communities beneath the waves, while acid rain can harm those on land. Programs and movements like “Going Green” help people discover more ecologically friendly ways to conduct their lifestyles.
One large source of waterpollution comes from marinas and piers. The increase in recreational boating has subsequently led to an increase in the amount of water pollution coming from these piers. Processes such as boat cleaning, fueling, and runoff from parking lots and repair areas are raising the amount of pollution in the water. Sometimes accidents like oil spills occur, casting pollutants into the water. This kills off the fish living in the water, and really harms the environment. Many of the materials used in building these marinas and docks are also harmful to the environment.

Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska
http://waterpollutionsmc.blogspot.com/

Water pollution from a flooded town
http://www.svsu.edu

People swimming in reportedly bad water quality
http://newshopper.sulekha.com/

Pollution on eastern side of Thames Tower Bridge in London
http://greenecopeace.co.uk/

Pollution from fire on pier
http://www.dreamstime.com

http://www.lenntech.com/water-pollution-faq.htm

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/how-to-green-why-to-go-green.php

Solution
The Green Pier is an eco-friendly pier designed to promote “going green” and keeping the environment safe from pollutants. The project will have a positive long-term affect on the organisms living in the Sandy Hook ocean region, and raise awareness in beach-goers who are visiting the pier. This awareness is geared towards making the ocean safe and stopping water pollution.
http://www.boattrader.com/research/news-tips/green-boating/what-makes-a-green-marina-diff/

Many factors need to be considered when designing this pier. One very important factor is the climate of the area. Sandy Hook averages about 45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit a year with on average about 4 inches of precipitation each month. This means Sandy Hook has a considerably cool climate. The pier must be structured slightly different from areas with warm climates. While minimum beam soil depth in warm climates is about 18 inches, cooler climates can require the beams to be anywhere from 4 to 6 feet deep in the soil below the water.

Clear day at Sandy Hook
 http://personal.stevens.edu/~jstefano/03_parks/35_Parks_SandyHook.html

Existing marina at Sandy Hook
http://marinas.com

http://www.climate-charts.com/USA-Stations/NJ/NJ287865.php
http://www.ehow.com/how_4596308_build-pier-beam-foundation.html
http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Posts-in-the-Water-for-a-Dock-or-Pier

Another factor to consider would be the conditions of use. The pier would have to be safe to use from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It has to be able to withstand all weather conditions within this time frame, including heat, rain, and hail.

Pier after rainfall
 http://flickriver.com/photos/combinatorial/1430284955/

Pier during storm
http://www.independent.com

Possibly the most important factor involved in the design of the pier is the end user. The pier must be suitable for both recreational visitors and fishermen. The pier would have to function as both a pleasure pier and a fishing pier. It has to feature benches for visitors to sit on and stations for fishermen. It needs railings to be safe to use. The pleasure pier also needs to feature other attractions for visitors- such as lookout points. It might also feature lights for use during nighttime hours.

Pier binoculars
http://www.yelp.com

Bench on a pier
http://www.flickr.com

Lights on the railings
http://mirror-uk-rb1.gallery.hd.org

Lights alongside a pier
http://www.ics.uci.edu

Man fishing off a pier
 http://www.colonial-beach-virginia-attractions.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pier

Brainstorming

The pier I have initially designed is a standard pier with two piers extending vertical to the shoreline. The bulkhead continues where the pier cuts off, and replaces the failed timber bulkhead that currently resides there.

Aside from the main idea, I did have some alternate solutions to use for the piers. Though we really have only one main design for the pier layout, I came up with some different aspects to add to the piers.