Briefing: UK port infrastructure failures and smarter solutions

Abstract

Much of the UK’s ageing port infrastructure is at a tipping point, and there appears to be a recent increase in significant failures. Historically, substantially empirical design by trial and error and the inherent overdesign that this produces, combined with the use of robust materials, mean that eighteenth-and nineteenth-century port structures have sometimes lasted well. Without change in use or reduction in maintenance, they may continue to perform well. However, with the widespread use of reinforced concrete and steel sheet piles starting c. 100 years ago, the introduction of the concept of ‘design life’ was necessary. The structural ability and cost-effectiveness of maintenance of these more sensitive structures steadily decrease as the maritime degradation processes take hold. This paper considers the ever-increasing risk of infrastructure failure that the UK port industry faces and suggests the need for a considered and smart approach to the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of port assets. Examples of smart, real-time, remote monitoring technologies are discussed as the tools for port owners to avoid costly, and potentially uninsured, infrastructure failures.