The City of Vancouver’s 7.3-acre park occupies a former paper mill site and includes about 2,500 feet of Columbia River shoreline. The focal point of the new park is the cable-stayed Grant Street Pier. Other improvements include a pedestrian plaza, lookout structures, a planned floating fishing dock, large mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls on the banks of the Columbia River, a fountain with sculptural elements, paved trails, and installation of turf, irrigation, and signage.

This phased geotechnical investigation included review of available geotechnical information for the site; subsurface explorations; laboratory testing; and development of recommendations for seismic design considerations, site preparation and grading, structural fill placement, retaining wall design criteria, drilled shafts and micropile support of the Grant Street Pier, and axial pile support for the new floating dock. GRI observed and documented construction of the retaining walls, drilled shafts, tieback anchors, and micropile foundations.

Location: Vancouver, Washington

Owner: City of Vancouver – Clark Parks & Recreation Department

Market Sector: Ports and Waterfront, Development

Services: Geotechnical Engineering, Hazmat, Construction Services