Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world, reaching 1.33 miles into the River Thames. It is a Grade II Listed structure, with the first wooden pier constructed on the site in 1829 and the iron structure standing today built in 1889.
In 2021, Beckett Rankine was appointed by Southend City Council as the representative engineering consultants for the pier, responsible for ensuring its long-term upkeep by surveying, advising, and designing any necessary remedial works.
As part of the pier’s long-term maintenance plan, we have carried out biennial condition surveys of the entire structure. This involves inspections from upper and lower decks of the pier, land, and vessel, encompassing the super- and substructure.
The detailed condition assessments are then used to determine the extent of any repair works. We have produced technical specifications, supported the tender process and supervised the on-site works in Southend and at the various fabrication sites.
We have also provided the client with a detailed drawing package including advanced structural and 3D models of the entire structure.
The pier has been extended numerous times since its first opening in the 1800s, using various materials and construction methods.
Beckett Rankine was commissioned to determine the condition and life span of the pier’s timber and establish where repairs should be prioritised. Ongoing works include the structural modelling of the timber sub-structure to understand its makeup and condition, and therefore the extent of required repairs.
For the concrete, we have mapped defects and are working with the client on a solution to install an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection System during strengthening repairs.
For the steel sections of the pier, we have produced specifications of works and supervised multiple phases of repairs.
This included works to replace the structural members along the 1.6km Main Stem. To minimise operational disruption, the Principal Contractor, UK Industrial Services, introduced a unique gantry system to allow the decking to be raised locally while underlying joists are replaced.
We verified the design and supervised ongoing maintenance works to a number of the pier’s anchor bays, ensuring they remain strong and stable.
Our supervision has included document reviews and approvals, on-site visits, contractor liaison and quality assurance checks.
In addition to project managing repairs, we have supported our client with preparing and reviewing tender documentation.
Our expertise in marine licensing has helped to secure the pier’s statutory long-term future.
All works are designed and carried out with careful consideration for the Marine Protected Area, as well as avoiding disruption to RNLI operations and maintaining public access throughout.
