Climate Change: Case Studies of Resilient Vertical and Horizontal Projects-Climate Change Case Studies of Resilient Vertical and Horizontal Projects Slides 4

Climate Change Case Studies of Resilient Vertical and Horizontal Projects Slides 4

Pdf Summary

This case study, "From Molasses to Sea Level Rise: Boston’s North End," presented by Julie Eaton Ernst, PE, highlights the challenges and solutions involved in climate resilience engineering in Boston's historic North End, focusing on Langone Park and Puopolo Playground along the Boston Harborwalk.<br /><br />The project addresses complex geotechnical and structural issues inherent in the site’s subsurface conditions, which include urban fill with debris from the 1919 Great Molasses Flood, organic layers, clay, and glacial till. These soils are compressible and prone to settlement, complicated further by tide groundwater and obstructions like abandoned foundations and utilities. Permitting constraints limited work mostly to the existing seawall, which varied in condition and was generally poor, restricting structural modifications due to its inability to handle increased lateral forces.<br /><br />Structural solutions employed include drilled micropile foundations, lightweight fill wrapped in geotextile, ground improvement techniques, and riprap armoring beneath an 8-foot cantilevered boardwalk designed to withstand present and future wave forces and currents. The design aimed to enhance flood protection while maintaining public access and experience—“a barrier that’s not a barrier to the public realm.”<br /><br />An iterative design process incorporated ongoing climate analyses through schematic to construction phases, reflecting evolving understandings of sea level rise, with lessons emphasizing the need to consider sea level beyond 2070, increased retaining wall height, and careful evaluation of geofoam versus lightweight fill.<br /><br />Critical insights include recognizing this site as one link in a broader flood protection network with off-site flood pathways and demonstrating the value of open public spaces in climate adaptation. This project was notably the first application of Boston Public Works Department’s Climate Resilient Guidelines, exemplifying integrated and adaptive engineering approaches to urban coastal resilience in the face of climate change impacts.

Keywords

Boston North End

climate resilience engineering

Langone Park

Puopolo Playground

Great Molasses Flood

geotechnical challenges

micropile foundations

sea level rise adaptation

Boston Harborwalk

Climate Resilient Guidelines