Venice Pier Structural Assessment, Venice, CA
Assistant Project Manager / Inspection Team Lead
Client: City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering
Project: Venice Beach Fishing Pier – Underwater and Above-Water Structural Inspection and Condition Assessment
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 is approximately 1,320 feet long and consists of precast, prestressed concrete piles supporting a precast concrete deck. The pier has undergone multiple rehabilitation efforts, most recently in 2005.
Description of Services
While employed by AECOM, Anthony T. Mets, P.E. served as an Assistant Project Manager and Inspection Team Lead for comprehensive underwater and above-water structural inspections of the Venice Beach Fishing Pier.
Mr. Mets planned and led underwater and above-water inspections in accordance with NBIS and ADCI Consensus Standards, utilizing a surface-supplied diving system with engineer-divers and a rope-access team utilizing SPRAT-certified inspector-engineers. The underwater inspection program included Level I inspections of 100% of the 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 performed using SPRAT-certified rope-access technicians and engineers, allowing 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.
Based on the inspection findings, repair concepts were developed and incorporated into a comprehensive condition assessment report. Repair drawings and specifications (PS&E) were prepared and presented to the City as part of a Phase II effort. Mr. Mets also provided construction support services, including 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.