Longitudinal forces are withstood by using the existing concrete ice breakers located 

 upriver from the docks. Connecting cables between the floating docks and the ice breakers 

 hold the floating docks in position. Winches located on the floating docks are used to adjust 

 the connecting cables as water fluctuations occur. 



To safeguard against heavy floating debris, a protective float is to be located upstream 

 from the docks so that debris will deflect around the docks to reduce maintenance and 

 protect the docks and boats. The guard will consist of a flotation unit of three foam-filled 

 steel pipes stacked vertically and connected to a frame braced against the upstream face of 

 the ice breakers. Flotation units will be located as shown in Figure 167. The protective 

 float, about 4 feet deep, will be constructed at an angle with the river flow and floating 

 docks so that the river currents will assist in moving debris around the marina and minimize 

 debris accumulation against the upstream face of the docks. However, operating personnel 

 must regularly clean away debris collecting at the facility to eliminate any large buildup of 

 debris. 



The city of Cincinnati is considering operating the facility without the protective float 

 on a trial basis. 



(2) East 55th Street Marina. Cleveland's East 55th Street Marina is situated on Lake 

 Erie. A study of the boat owner requirements for this area showed the need for a large 

 marina with accommodations for craft up to 60 feet long. Initially, 274 berths were 

 constructed; the facility can eventually be expanded to accommodate 426 berths. The 

 proposed site offered both advantages and disadvantages. The nearly adequate protection 

 afforded by existing breakwaters and sufficient depth for a small-boat harbor provided the 

 pluses. Also, the site offered convenient highway access. 



Disadvantages included weak soils in the basin bottom and rubble fill in the area selected 

 for building and utihty services. Additionally, two major combined sewers (storm and 

 sanitary) discharged into the protected basin near its entrance. Although these factors 

 increased development costs, they did not overshadow the harbor and location advantages. 



Extreme variations in Lake Erie levels previously recorded at Cleveland were about 

 5 feet. Soil borings taken in the marina bottom showed loose deposits of fine materials to 

 depths up to 70 feet below average water level. With these conditions, both convenience and 

 economy dictated the use of floating piers. The structures provide uniform levels with 

 respect to boat decks regardless of water elevation. They also permit economical anchorage, 

 which does not require high-strength foundation soils. 



Because of the weak soils an underwater system of mooring cables and anchors holds the 

 floating piers in position. The galvanized coated cables are the same as those used for bridge 

 construction. More than 12,000 feet of zinc-coated bridge rope was used on this project. 



Seven cable lines, spaced to transmit about equal loads, connect all piers to the east and 

 west anchors. Each east-west cable line is arranged in three lengths: one between the west 

 anchor and west pier, one between the two end piers, and one between the east pier and east 



276 



