Puget Sound House on Piles

Evaluated a waterfront residence that had transitioned from a seasonal vacation home into a full-time residence
Date:
Project Type: Pile Assessment & Repair
Client: Homeowner/Residence
Location: Tacoma, WA

Project Details

PACIFIC Engineering Technologies, Inc. was hired to evaluate a waterfront residence that had transitioned from a seasonal vacation home into a full-time residence. The structure was supported by timber piles, many of which had experienced significant deterioration due to prolonged exposure to the marine environment. The extent of the damage placed the home at risk of further structural movement and shoreline-related impacts, making a comprehensive assessment and repair strategy essential.

Waterfront house supported on piles above the rocky shoreline.
Cracked concrete encasement around a pile beneath the waterfront house.
Barnacle-covered foundation supports and timber piles beneath the waterfront house.
Piles beneath the house with black repair jackets around the timber supports.

What We Did

PACIFIC performed a detailed investigation of the home’s pile-supported foundation system, assessing the condition of each individually numbered pile and documenting varying levels of deterioration throughout the structure. The evaluation required careful tracking, inspection, and management of numerous piles, including those that remained serviceable and those requiring repair or replacement. Based on the findings, our team developed customized engineering solutions to restore the structural capacity of the foundation while addressing the unique challenges of performing construction over water. During construction, we assisted the contractor with alternate solutions and performed a final site review to confirm the repairs were code-compliant.

Project Results

This project showcased PACIFIC’S expertise in waterfront and marine-adjacent structures, combining on-site investigation from the shoreline, beach, and over-water locations with innovative, site-specific repair solutions. The result was a tailored approach that helped preserve and strengthen a vulnerable waterfront home while addressing the complexities of a dynamic coastal environment.