Title: Special Considerations for The Seismic Analysis and Design of Piers, Wharves and Container Yards Supported on Prestressed Concrete Piles

Author(s): Jhon P. Smith-Pardo and Carlos E. Ospina

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 295

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-26

Keywords: Seismic design; Pile-supported piers and wharves; Container yards; Inertial mass.

DOI: 10.14359/51686343

Date: 10/4/2013

Abstract:
The seismic design of pile-supported marine structures such as piers and wharves is largely governed by their unique structural configuration and the special loading conditions associated with the operations that take place on the structure. The operation of heavy equipment and the stacking of heavy loads -usually well in excess of the self-weight of the structure- have significant implications on the seismic analysis and design of this type of structures. This paper reports a series of recommendations for the seismic analysis and design of piers, wharves and platforms supported on prestressed concrete piles, in presence of massive mobile equipment and/or stacked containers. Because of their significance in terms of structural safety and impact on construction costs of container and bulk handling terminals, emphasis is given to the evaluation of the percentage of live load to be considered as a source of seismic mass and a detailed discussion is presented on the need to rationalize the process of combining live loads with dead and earthquake loads as part of the definition of extreme load combinations in the seismic analysis and design of elevated platforms supported on piles. The paper includes a review of the treatment given to these loading aspects by specialized marine infrastructure design codes and offers specific recommendations.