Cowes Port Handbook 2014-2015 April 2014 | Page 25

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015

Stage 4 - The next stage
involves the installation of
the gravel pre-load up to
approximately 5.5m above
chart datum using the same
trailer hopper dredger, floating
pipeline and spraying barge as
was used for the sand layer.
See Figures 2 & 4.
When the crest levels reach
around Mean High Water,
the spraying pontoon will be
utilised spraying gravel against
the slopes of the breakwater.
Excavators will be utilised to
shape the breakwater and
Boskalis Westminster
retrieve gravel outside of the
intended profile.
Fig 3. Stitcher and barge
A nine month consolidation process will then follow over the autumn and
winter of 2014-2015, to allow for settlement of the gravel core.
It must be emphasised that the breakwater will resemble a gravel
spit during the winter of 2014/15 and will only begin to take its final
finished appearance during the 2015 works.

Boskalis Westminster
Fig 4. Dredger, pipeline and spraying pontoon

2015 Breakwater Construction Programme

..........................................................

The second phase of construction will start towards the spring or summer
of 2015 when the sand and gravel layer will be re-dressed up to 5.9m. This
will then be followed by the placement of rock armour on the breakwater
to give the protection and finished appearance.
Excavators will reshape the breakwater to its final profile and fixed aids to
navigation will be placed on the breakwater.
For all the latest news, safety and navigational information regarding
the construction of the detached breakwater in Cowes, please go
to www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk and check the latest Local
Notices to Mariners.
COWES.co.uk

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