Figure 5. Initial Beachbuilder anchor deployment configuration

dredge, two on the RDB side of the channel and one on the LDB side across the

channel. Two anchors were set downstream of the dredge on the RDB side of the

channel (Figure 5). As a result, only one wire cable stretched across the channel.

Each cable was tensioned to test the corresponding anchor set. The

Beachbuilder's winches automatically advance at an adjustable, pre-set tension.

Several of the anchors did not hold when tension was applied to the associated

cable. The leverman continued testing the anchor-holding capacity until a

suitable combination of cable tension (approximately 1,200 psi) and power from

the push tug was determined to allow forward movement of the dredge. Once all

equipment was deemed operational, the mobility demonstration was initiated at

2145 hr on 5 June in Reach 1.

Beachbuilder

Anchor lines

Figure 5.

Initial Beachbuilder anchor deployment configuration

The Beachbuilder was moved out into the channel near the centerline (CL)

and back to the RDB side of the channel with no problems. The USACE,

Mississippi River Bar Pilot, and contractors all agreed that the dustpan's maneu-

verability with the flexible floating hose was adequate to proceed with the

demonstration. Actual dredging started at 2235 hr along the RDB side toe of the

channel in Reach 1. After 25 min pumping, instrumentation indicated possible

plugging of a portion of the dustpan. The dustpan was raised for inspection and

Chapter 2

Project Description