Challenge:
An evaluation of MOT structures and equipment for slope instability was performed by others. Their assessment of existing conditions along with recommended improvements was excessive. HEA was asked to perform more rigorous analyses of the soil-structure interaction and explore more reasonable repair alternatives.
Resolution:
Our engineering team designed an FEA model to capture the behavior of the supporting piles, pile cap, batter pile, and soil. Various magnitudes of soil displacements were imposed upon the model, and resulting pile rotations were extracted to compare to allowable values. Wharf displacements were used to calculate pipe stresses. Based on our analyses, several alternatives were identified and classified according to required construction work and regulatory risk.
