DIVERSEY HARBOR FLOATING BREAKWATER - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 



Breakwater Type: Goodyear FTB 



Operational Life: The breakwater was constructed in 1978 and removed that same 

 year. 



Contact: Chicago Park District 



425 East McFetridge Drive 

 Chicago, IL 60605 

 (312) 294-2260 



Operator: Same as contact 



Site Details 



Water and Bottom Conditions: The structure was located in freshwater above a 

 level bottom composed of sand. Depth at mean low water is 6.1 m 

 (20.0 ft). The seasonal water depth range is 1.2 m (4.0 ft). 



Exposure: The site is exposed from the northeast with a fetch of 362.0 km 

 (195.5 nmi) . 



Typical Storm Conditions: During a typical storm, prevailing winds are from 

 the northeast through the east with speeds around 80 km/hr (43 kn) . 

 Storm waves are from 1.2 m (4.0 ft) to 2.4 m (8.0 ft) in height. 

 Generally, such storms occur from two to three times per year. 



Worst Storm Conditions: During a worst storm on an average year, winds will be 

 from the northeast through the east and will reach 95 km/hr (51 kn) . 

 Seas will be 2.4 m (8.0 ft) high. 



Ice: Flowing ice causes damage to the facility in the winter. 



Breakwater Details 



Purpose: This breakwater protected a marina and yacht club located in Chicago, 

 Illinois. This facility is operated in the summer. The breakwater was 

 intended to be in operation year round. It was specifically intended to 

 knock down tall storm waves to less than 0.6 m (2.0 ft) in height. Fixed 

 groins and jetties were also present at the site. 



Design Source: The builder utilized design literature from the Goodyear Tire 

 and Rubber Company. 



Construction: This FTB was 91.4 m (300.0 ft) in length and 8.5 m (28.0 ft) in 

 width. Primary flotation was derived from both polystyrene blocks 

 inserted in the tire crowns and polyurethane foam poured into some of the 

 tires. Chain fastened by clamps was used to couple the tires. 



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