As a specialty consultant, bætin earth technologies‘ team consisting of marine structural specialists, geotechnical specialists, and coastal engineering specialists, recently completed a comprehensive geotechnical review and design for a significant marine port project in the GCC area. The project included the addition of a new container terminal and deepening of the navigation water channels to accommodate Panamax vessels with a draft up to 17m (55 ft) to access the port and to meet the future needs of ships, goods, and container traffic.
Following are key highlights:
- Soil Investigation Data Review and Interpretation:
- Analyzed existing data, including environmental impact assessments.
- Interpreted geotechnical soil data and recommended additional offshore investigations.
- Conducted sedimentation modeling.
- Design Services:
- Provided a robust design basis, considering site conditions, codes, loads including seismic, vessel information, berthing and mooring forces, in addition to wave, wind, and water levels.
- Recommended ground improvements for the apron and proposed container stocking area.
- Coastal, structural, and geotechnical design of the container terminal block quay wall, adhering to international standards (PIANC, BS 6349, Euro Code 8).
- Advanced Modeling and Analysis:
- Created 3D models for Rail Mounted Gantry (RMG) crane beams and supporting piles.
- Designed revetments based on accepted codes and standards.
- Calculations incorporated bathymetric data and wave modeling.
- Hydraulic and Geotechnical Factors:
- Defined dredging layout for the access channel and turning basin according to PIANC 2014, ROM 3.1-08, and Thoresen 2014.
- Assessed channel side slope stability.
- Considered hydraulic stability and design criteria under different return periods, including stability of armour, toe, apron, filter layers, and overall geotechnical stability.
- Precision and Compliance:
- Prepared technical specifications, IFC drawings, and performance specs.