Analysis, Design And Construction Of The Supporting Structure And Wharf Retrofit For A New Shiploader At The Port Of Long Beach, California

This paper describes the unique engineering, design, and construction features of a new shiploader support structure installed within the framework of an existing concrete wharf at the Port of Long Beach Pier G Dry Bulk Terminal. As part of the terminal improvements to meet mandated legislative requirements for the control of fugitive dust, it was necessary to replace an existing shiploader. Wharf upgrades were required, as the existing structure could not accommodate the larger and heavier replacement shiploader. To facilitate installation of the new shiploader, a new support structure was designed and constructed to allow the terminal to remain operational during the installation process. Based on the results of the structural analysis, it was concluded that the existing wharf structure is not stable when subjected to the design earthquake. Therefore, new shiploader support structure was designed and detailed to resist seismic loads from both the existing wharf structure and the new shiploader.