Numerical Modeling of the Geotechnical and Structural Strengthening of Quay Structures with a Case Study

Abstract

With developments in maritime trade, the need to increase port capacities has emerged. It is important that the reconstruction of such port structures be carried out without disrupting the activities of the existing port and without damaging the old structures. However, the reconstruction and strengthening of these structures require significant engineering work. Especially in the design of such structures, geotechnical and structural engineering theories and practices need to be considered together. The most important challenge in this type of engineering design is to ensure harmony in geotechnical and structural analyses. In this study, the strengthening of a port structure in Guinea is taken as a case study. First, the existing quay wall was evaluated, and then the geotechnical and structural design of the new structure to be built for capacity increase was discussed. A geotechnical design was made with the Plaxis 2D program, and the structural design was made with the Sap2000 program. The soil behavior was analyzed nonlinearly with the Plaxis program and was modeled with the same accuracy as the Sap2000 program. In addition, pile capacities were confirmed by loading tests performed on the piles. The results show that complex hybrid solutions consisting of reinforced and unreinforced piles can be modeled with the finite element method. As seen from this case study, the capacities of existing port structures can be safely increased, provided that necessary geotechnical precautions are taken.