PROJECT

Trident Refit Facility (TRF) Dry Dock Repairs

Our team provided design services for the repair and modernization of major systems at the Trident Refit Facility (TRF) Dry Dock Complex at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. As the largest covered dry dock on the U.S. East Coast, the TRF Dry Dock services the ballistic missile submarine fleet for the Atlantic — a critical element of the U.S. nuclear triad and strategic deterrence.

The dry dock basin is about 700 feet long and 100 feet wide. The low roof is at 110 feet, while the high-bay roof is at 130 feet. The dry dock is composed of reinforced concrete with a steel frame cover and roof, three bridge cranes, various supporting facilities and utilities, flooding and pumping systems, steel and concrete caissons, sluice gates, and other miscellaneous supporting equipment. 

The TRF Dry Dock, constructed in the late 1980s, had not undergone significant repair since placed into service in the early 1990s. Many existing systems had reached the end of their useful life, with key parts — now largely unavailable — requiring repair or replacement to meet current and future planned mission requirements.  The project addressed safety, aging systems and single points of failure.

Client

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast

Location

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia

Region

Southeast

Services

Navy & Marine Corps

Federal & Military

Industry

Government & Military

CASE STUDY

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As the prime A-E contractor, we provided most design disciplines for this modernization initiative. Under a single task order, we developed design drawings using Revit and specifications using SpecsIntact for civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, telecommunications, fire protection engineering, site development, architecture and interiors. 

Dry dock repairs included the cover, systems/utilities, steel and concrete caissons, and 11 ancillary/support buildings. Our work also included utility evaluation and design accommodations to support the future Columbia Class submarine, to minimize future dry dock downtime for maintenance. 

Critical repairs include blast repairs of structural steel; metal panel replacement; overhaul of electrical and mechanical systems including substations, switchgear, and pumping systems; provisions for a new auxiliary sea water system with chemical treatments; steel caisson repairs; bridge crane repairs; environmental permitting; cybersecurity design; and various repairs to ancillary support buildings. 

We also provided commissioning services for dry dock and steel caisson mechanical and electrical systems.

Key Project Components 

Phasing and scheduling: We were involved across all project phases, from planning to final design to construction. The design package was phased, structured around the Navy-provided 15-month window where the dry dock would be empty and all critical repairs needed to occur. This extraordinary undertaking demanded meticulous planning to meet the fleet's strict no-fail ballistic missile submarine maintenance schedule. The team had just 10 months to prepare bid documents for the repairs, valued at $600 million.

Engineering services during construction: Throughout construction, we provided up to four full-time, on-site project engineers focused on providing Post-Construction Award Services (PCAS) to NAVFAC’s Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (ROICC) office. The on-site project engineers’ duties included responding to RFIs, final review of submittals, facilitating contract modifications, attending construction meetings, performing quality control inspections, and providing inspection reports. They also supported construction 24 hours per day, six days per week.

Preparing planning studies: Our team developed an engineering study to determine the extent of necessary repairs through field investigations, pipe inspections, hazardous materials testing, 3D laser scanning and personnel interviews. Costs for each repair were determined and a DD1391 was developed.

Design workshop: After completion of the study, we conducted the project kickoff, design workshop, and detailed field investigations, including in-depth scope discussions for the dry dock, ancillary buildings and required support facilities.

Free zone and security: We designed a security fence and road to create a free zone for contractors, which eliminated downtime associated with base security at the project site. The free zone isolated the dry dock from the remainder of the waterfront restricted area, significantly reducing downtime associated with security at the site for construction contractors.

Temporary facilities: We provided design and performance specifications for the temporary facilities needed to house TRF personnel and equipment during construction, including offices, lockers, tool room, covered storage, fixed fighting positions, clean room and tower.