WGI was contracted by Charleston County, South Carolina, to design a 1,042-foot-long pier. The new pier was designed to replace an existing timber structure that had on-going deterioration issues caused by marine bores. The pier’s design includes an apron for covered seating at the shore; two widened observation areas with shade structures located along the pier, and a large diamond head pier terminus with a decorative shade structure. The pier was designed to emulate the iconic appearance of the existing Folly Beach Pier while providing a more resilient structure.

Design of the new pier was coordinated with Charleston County and Folly Beach Stakeholders to incorporate local event features. The design accounted for minimizing disruptions to beach operations and quick turn-around reopening of leased restaurant and bar space on the pier apron. WGI and the local sub-consultant provided all engineering, permitting, cost estimation, and construction administration for the removal of the existing wooden structure and replacement with a new concrete pier.

The new pier was constructed with precast concrete piles, pile caps, and post-tensioned beams. The walking surface between the beams is constructed with break-away wood deck panels. The break-away wood deck is designed to allow for energy dissipation during severe storms. Vertical picket wood rails and wood benches are located between concrete bollards. Amenities on the pier include multiple shade structures along the length of the pier, wood benches, bait-cutting stations, freshwater hose bibs, electrical outlets for maintenance staff, electrical service at the end of the pier for special events, and sea-turtle-friendly lights.