Venice Pier Structural Inspection and Rehabilitation Design

Structural inspection of Venice Pier in Venice, CA.

Topside and under-pier inspection using SPRAT-certified rope-access inspectors.

Discipline Lead/ Team Lead / SPRAT-Inspector/Diving Supervisor / Engineer-Diver
Client: City of Los Angeles
Project: Venice Pier Structural Condition Assessment and Repair Design
Location: Venice, California
Duration: 2017–2022

Project Background

The Venice Beach waterfront is a prominent Southern California landmark and heavily trafficked public destination. The Venice Beach Fishing Pier, approximately 1,320 feet long, consists of precast, prestressed concrete piles supporting a precast concrete deck. The pier has undergone multiple rehabilitation efforts, most recently in 2005. The City of Los Angeles sought a comprehensive structural inspection and condition assessment to inform maintenance, repair, and seismic evaluation planning.

Inspection Planning and Execution

While employed by AECOM, Anthony T. Mets, P.E. served as Assistant Project Manager and Inspection Team Lead for underwater and above-water inspections of the Venice Beach Fishing Pier.

Mr. Mets planned and led inspections in accordance with NBIS and ADCI Consensus Standards, utilizing both surface-supplied diving systems with engineer-divers and rope-access teams with SPRAT-certified inspector-engineers. Underwater inspections included Level I inspections of 100% of pier piles and Level II inspections of approximately 10–15% of the piles. Level II inspections involved removal of marine growth at the mudline, splash zone, and selected mid-water locations, along with detailed photographic and continuous video documentation of observed defects.

Above-water, under-deck inspections were conducted using rope-access technicians and engineers to enable close-range, hands-on evaluation of the full deck soffit and the above-water portions of the precast concrete piles. Above-deck inspections included concrete sounding to identify delamination and related concrete distress.

Condition Assessment, Repair Concepts, and Seismic Evaluation

Based on inspection findings, Mr. Mets developed repair concepts incorporated into a comprehensive condition assessment report. He also prepared repair drawings and specifications (PS&E) for City review during the Phase II effort. Construction support services included site walks, field inspections, and responses to contractor RFIs.

Following completion of the condition assessment, a Phase III seismic evaluation and structural modeling effort was performed to assess compliance with the current California Building Code.

This project was performed by Anthony T. Mets, P.E. while employed by another engineering firm. It is included here to illustrate relevant professional experience and does not represent work performed by Thalassa Technology and Engineering.