Bald Head Island is a barrier island located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River just south of Wilmington, North Carolina. The only way on and off of the Island is by ferry or private boat. Therefore, the Bald Head Island Marina is the gateway to Bald Head Island. The existing aluminum bulkhead around the marina is approximately 25 years old and is approaching the end of its life span. There are several areas along the marina bulkhead that are beginning to fail or are in danger of failing.

Jon Guerry Taylor & Associates was commissioned to evaluate the existing aluminum bulkhead and determine a fix. Due to its age and condition it was determined that the bulkhead should be replaced. There were several alternative materials evaluated for use in the new bulkhead, however in the end, an aluminum sheet pile wall was selected due to cost and contractibility. JGT then proceeded with the design of the new wall. This project involved installing approximately 3,000 linear feet of new aluminum bulkhead, 2,026 linear feet of “Light Wall” and 950 lf of “Heavy Wall”. The new aluminum bulkhead is being installed around the entire perimeter of the existing bulkhead, offset approximately 14 inches to the inside of the existing wall. Concrete is being placed between the existing bulkhead and the new bulkhead to isolate any corrosive soil that may exist behind the existing bulkhead from coming in contact with the new aluminum wall.

Since the marina is the only access point for the Island, a very complex construction schedule was created to allow the marina to operate year round without interfering with the passenger ferry terminal or the recreational boaters.