The Strand

Along the Cooper Jack Bay of the Turks & Caicos Islands, construction was successfully completed for the luxury, private residential resort community, The Strand. The existing beaches and shoreline along this community were enhanced to match the growing surrounding area and provide visitors with a serene ocean view.

Previously, much of the shoreline consisted of iron shore, composed of limestone, which was virtually unusable for visitors and residents of The Strand. GRAEF's coastal engineering team managed the design, permitting, engineering, and construction of the new beach, transforming it into a safe and visually stunning feature for all who visit.

The shoreline initially lacked an immediate resource for sand, which required sand dredging services. Using a hydraulic dredge with a 12-inch suction cutter head and a 2,200-foot suction pipe, 65,000 cubic yards of sand were directly pumped from the Caicos Banks and dewatered to create the recreational beach. To protect the beachfill, a large T-head rock groyne with a geotextile core and structural mattress foundation was constructed using a barge-loaded excavator. This coastal infrastructure now provides a stable, recreational walkway and a spectacular lookout point for residents and visitors. The rock type used for the pier and pocket groynes, along with their size and orientation, was carefully selected to ensure long-term protection of the beachfill sand.

The Strand also included design consultation on boat slips and berths for resident and tourism boats, private vehicles, and charter boats within the canal. GRAEF's team successfully renovated the canal to accommodate these docks and managed the dredging services required for their construction.

The project, which began in early 2020, overcame several challenges, including delays due to COVID-19 shutdowns, heavy storm seasons in September and October, and extensive permitting deadlines. Despite these obstacles, the project was completed on time and within budget in October 2024, delivering a world-class coastal destination that meets the needs of residents and visitors alike.

Key Project Elements:

• Project Design
• Geotechnical Studies
• Water Quality Sampling and Analysis
• Canal Dredge Design
• Development of a Private Dock Dredge Program
• Dewatering Site Design
• Sediment Analysis and Development of a Sediment Management Plan
• Construction Methods & Sequencing Plan
• Dredge Pipeline Plan
• Estimation of Quantities, Costs, & Construction Schedules
• Assessment of Project Impacts (Environmental,
  Social and Economic)
• Acquisition of all construction permits, dredge licenses and planning permissions
• Construction Plans and Specifications
• Bidding Assistance
• Construction Monitoring and Administration