An approximately 1,300 foot long concrete breakwater was constructed by Santa Rosa County Parks and Recreation in the mid 1980’s to protect a recreational boat marina. The breakwater consists of precast concrete support and baffle panels, precast concrete plumb and batter piles, a cast-in-place concrete cap, an aluminum access bridge, steel guardrails to allow public access on top of the breakwater, and two timber fishing platforms. The purpose of the work performed by NCI was to visually inspect the structure for public safety and to visually inspect the structural integrity of the breakwater. The inspection of the in water portion of the breakwater was to be performed at a tide level no higher than 1-foot MLLW.

Inspections were performed between October 2006 and January 2007. A report was prepared and submitted that detailed the inspection process, results of the inspections, and provided repair recommendations. The report was documented with photographs and inspection reports. In general, there was no current public safety hazard or major structural deficiency with the breakwater. The inspections found that: the precast concrete components are in excellent condition; cracks are evident and should be repaired in the cast-in-place concrete cap; expansion joint material should be replaced; a few sections of the steel guardrail should be replaced; the steel guardrail should be painted in corroded areas; the timber platforms should be replaced or improved; and the aluminum gangway is in excellent condition.