The Evaluation of the Morfodynamics Boundary Condition, Soil Investigation and Loads Assessments for the Realization of Improved Quay Walls Structure in Durres Port

Abstract

Ports, like any other industry, is facing the need to respond to the challenge of globalization which, in the port maritime sector, is mainly manifested in the growing of ships dimensions the so-called “Naval gigantism”. In order not to be excluded from the maritime traffic market, ports must handle large volumes of traffic with an incresed efficiency, in order to reach international markets through multimodal corridors. The direct surveys done on site were integrated and elaborated together with existing available data. A series of numerical mathematical simulation models were executed in order to fully understanding of the geological, bearing capacity, navigation and meteorological aspects that are interested in the project. These mathematical simulation models led to what is the final design for the new improved quays detailed design. Being the structure closer to the entrance, quays are exposed to long waves from the South, which the driving factor for excessive horizontal motions for ships moored in harbor basins exposed to swell. Long waves are the driving factor for excessive horizontal motions for ships moored in harbour basins or coastal waters exposed to swell. This work shows how the efficiency of a port exposed to swell waves can be improved by adapting on pile structures. After review of the existing documentation, site visits and discussions with stakeholders, three options for dealing with the quays were identified. The first option is the “business as usual” scenario, in which no additional work is carried out and only iv regular maintenance of the infrastructure and equipment takes place. The second option consists in a rehabilitation of the existing quay wall, construction of two arrays of concrete piles supporting two concrete beams to serve as foundations for the crane rails, demolition of the existing deck and construction of a new concrete deck and apron, and deepening of the sea level. The third option consists of the construction of a retaining wall at the existing quay line and of a new deck supported by an array of drilled piles, bringing the new quay line farword. The process the slope stability analyses were carried out for the settlement analysis and liquefaction for the sheet pile construction with material of properties similar to the backfill material. The overall stability checks carried out the temporary slip fill and for the retaining structure and the pile depth. Incremental revenues are calculated on the basis of incremental product, expressed in tons of general cargo estimated to be handled annually Under option three, maximum annual production is calculated at approximately 1,800,000 tn. overcomes its inferior financial and economic performance compared to the other proposed options (investment costs 70% higher for similar financial and economic benefits) thanks to, inter alia, its ability to handle larger vessels.