A support structure (1) that includes a support panel (11), at least one
pile (14) having associated therewith at least one bracket (17) and at
least one mounting strap (20). Each bracket (17) includes a lower portion
(70), at least one extension (91, 92) extending upward from the lower
portion (70), and a retainer (85) extending outward from a first surface
(73) of the lower portion (70). The retainer (85) of the bracket (17) is
received within an aperture (67) of an apertured sidewall (64, 215, 218)
of the pile (14). At least one mounting strap (20, 23) maintains: the
first surface (73) of the lower portion (70) of the bracket (17) in
abutting relationship with the apertured sidewall (64) of the pile; and
the retainer (85) within the aperture (67) thereof. A first surface (94)
of the extension (91, 92) of the bracket (17) and the apertured sidewall
(64) of the pile (14) together define a vertical slot (112) having an
open top (115) and a closed bottom (118). The support panel (11) includes
at least one downwardly extending sidewall (33) that is received within
the vertical slot (112). Receipt of the sidewall (33) within the vertical
slot (112) serves to support the support panel (11). The support
structure may be used as a dock, such as a marine dock.