BNSF Superior Dock & Yard Improvements

As part of a multidisciplinary team, I contributed to the design of infrastructure improvements for BNSF Railway's taconite transloading facility in Superior, Wisconsin. The project aimed to enhance efficiency by addressing inconsistencies in pellet storage and shipment sequencing. My primary focus was on site surveying and base mapping, ensuring accurate data for the structural and containment design teams.

Key contributions

Site surveying & LiDAR mapping

I led field surveys using a Trimble SX12 scanning total station and GNSS receivers to capture georeferenced LiDAR point clouds of dock bins and conveyor systems.

LiDAR point cloud of dock bins and adjacent structures. (Click image for full resolution.)

I processed data in Trimble Business Center and CloudCompare to create 3D models for design coordination. I published the point cloud to Trimble Clarity  for easy web viewing.

CAD base map & existing conditions documentation

Developed the project's foundational CAD base map, integrating historical aerial imagery, FEMA floodplains, and wetland delineations. I also identified and demarcated obscured concrete surfaces using georeferenced historical photos (1966–2022) to guide site design.

Drawing depicting the existing conditions of man-made and natural features on the site. (Click image for full resolution.)

Environmental & Regulatory Compliance

I researched permitting requirements for construction near Lake Superior, including OHWM (Ordinary High Water Mark) regulations and wetland impacts.

Construction drawing production

I typeset the final 105-page report and coordinated the assembly of construction drawings, ensuring consistency and professionalism.

Outcome

The team delivered a $23 million design proposal for an enclosed containment facility and conveyor system, selected by BNSF over open-storage alternatives. My site analysis and documentation provided critical groundwork for the structural and estimating teams, ensuring constructibility and minimizing environmental risks.

Deliverables

You can view the final report below.