Port Structures Research Articles

Performance Evaluation of Displacement Measurement System with Marker and Fixed Vision Sensor on Port Structures

This study focused on the measurement of displacement on port structures with the combination of a marker and a vision sensor installed on the fixed location. The proposed algorithm optimizes the intrinsic parameters of the vision sensor using genetic algorithm and then measures the 6-DOF displacement automatically tracking feature points on the marker extracted through the image process. Experimental studies were carried out by using a general IP camera and a marker including 12 feature points. The distance between the camera and the marker was 10 m. Several types of displacements were induced with the precise motion stage, and the results showed that the measurement errors might be reasonable less than 3.5% in rotation and 4.0% in translation. This system was applied on the lock gate located in Incheon port, which corresponds to Type 1 facilities in Korea. The same camera was fixed at 24 m from the marker and the marker was moved by controlling the precise motion stage. The errors of measurements were less than 1 mm and 0.5 degrees, which were precise and accurate enough to evaluate the displacement in the field considering the present evaluation standard for drift, settlement, and slope on port facilities.

Ice adhesion to hydrotechnical structures

Mitigating ice adhesion on offshore and port structures is crucial for ensuring their safety and operational efficiency in cold climates. Ice adhesion, the molecular attraction between ice and a surface, can lead to increased structural loads, reduced stability, and restricted functionality. This work provides an overview of the different concepts, including the nature of ice adhesion, its consequences on structures, and effective strategies to minimize it. The strategies include surface coatings, surface roughness modifications, heating systems, de-icing and anti-icing systems, structural design considerations, and regular maintenance. These approaches aim to reduce ice adhesion, facilitate ice shedding, and enhance the resilience of offshore and port structures. By implementing these strategies, the integrity and performance of these critical infrastructures can be maintained, ensuring safe operations and supporting transportation and energy production in cold regions.

Characterization of Scour-Induced Subsurface Deformations in Port Structures with Contiguous Pile Walls using Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Characterization of Scour-Induced Subsurface Deformations in Port Structures with Contiguous Pile Walls using Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)

The methodical peculiarities of the investigation of portal crane rolled steels degradation

Rolled structural steels of port structures, operating under intensive cyclic loading, are particularly susceptible to the degradation of their mechanical properties. Advantages of the investigation of operational degradation of steels based not on fatigue strength characteristics, but on characteristics of resistance to brittle fracture using the example of determining the impact strength of longitudinal and transverse Charpy samples in relation to the rolling direction of sheet metal for 10 local areas at different structural nodes of portal crane are analyzed. This is caused to a great extend by micro-layering along the stretched fibers in the rolling direction of the rolled product. Accordingly, the mechanical properties of the metal become particularly sensitive to the direction of samples cutting in relation to the direction of rolling. Therefore, in order to evaluate the steel operational degradation it is recommended to use transverse samples in which the direction of micro-laayering coincides with the direction of rolling. Possible role of the marine environment in enhancing the degradation of steel due to its flooding properties is also considered in this paper.

Overseas ports of China: evolution, geography, investment structure.

The beginning of the formation of a targeted process of using overseas Chinese port investments was stimulated by the new national policy of openness to the outside world, the strategy of "Going global". Over the past two decades, China's port industry and shipping have developed rapidly due to integration into the world economy, as well as the rapid development of China's own economy and foreign trade. Taking full advantage of the experience and advantages of building ports inland, China is promoting the improvement of port infrastructure in countries along the Maritime Silk Road, which contributes to the development of the port industry and the economy of the hinterland in the host country. At present, China regards the 21st century Maritime Silk Road as a new concept and an important strategy for national development, establishing a new international economic and political order. Forms of cooperation with countries in terms of port construction are diverse and effective. The article provides a periodization of the investment development of foreign port construction by Chinese capital, due to the influence of state policy and development strategies of the PRC. Although the current geographical structure of China's overseas port investment is highly decentralized, it covers the global shipping area and covers strategic maritime regions, straits and bays. The overseas port structure of China is analyzed in the article from the point of view of regional distribution by types of investment projects, the capital ratio of Chinese companies, ways and mechanisms of China's entry into foreign ports.

Verification of modeling of dynamic processes in the port structures area

Verification of modeling of dynamic processes in the port structures area

Influence of the discharge port structure on infrared characteristics of underwater vehicle thermal jet

Influence of the discharge port structure on infrared characteristics of underwater vehicle thermal jet

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА И ПОСТАВКИ СВАЙ И ШПУНТА ТРУБЧАТОГО СВАРНОГО ДИАМЕТРОМ ДО 2520 ММ ДЛЯ СТРОИТЕЛЬСТВА СОВРЕМЕННЫХ ПОРТОВЫХ ГИДРОТЕХНИЧЕСКИХ СООРУЖЕНИЙ, ВОЗВОДИМЫХ В РАЙОНАХ КРАЙНЕГО СЕВЕРА И АРКТИКИ

number of large hydraulic port structures (sea terminals) unparalleled in world practice are being con-structed on the territory of the Russian Federation. A distinctive feature of these objects is their location in the Far North and the Arctic. One of the most important elements of the structures of berths and shore fortifications of port hydraulic structures are piles and welded tubular sheet piling (pile products). This article examines the production and supply of pile products with a diameter of up to 2520 mm, a wall thickness of up to 40 mm and a length of up to 75000 mm; analyzes the requirements for products operating in complex topographic, geological, hydrological and climatic condi-tions; and notes the need to harmonize and update the federal regulatory documentation regulating technical require-ments for both pile products and the pipes used to manufacture them.

Assessment of ship manoeuvring safety in waterway systems by relative navigational risk

The safety of vessels navigating in the sea waterway system is ensured by fulfilling the acceptable restrictions called safe ship operation conditions in that system. The assessment of navigation safety is particularly important when the conditions for safe operation of ships in the waterway system are changed concerns increasing the maximum parameters of vessels, increasing the allowable hydrometeorological conditions or changing the minimum tug assistance. The article presents a method for assessing navigation safety when the conditions for the safe operation of vessels in the waterway system get changed. The method uses two indicators, which are difference in navigation risks and relative navigation risk. To determine the navigational risk, algorithms were developed for calculating the probability of accidents caused by the deterioration of navigation conditions and technical failure of ship equipment and tugs. Another algorithm was developed for calculating the consequences of the accidents that involve blocking a waterway by a ship anchoring in an emergency, grounding, impact of the ship against a port structure or moored ship and a collision with another ship in motion. The method developed for assessing navigation safety by means of relative navigation risk can be used in practice when changing the conditions for safe operation of vessels in the waterway system and when the system is modernized. Navigational safety management is a decision process that is implemented in the loop presented in the article. The acceptable risk is determined on the basis of vessel traffic intensity and ship parameters defined by safe operation conditions for a given waterway system. Relative navigational risk may be used in assessment and comparison of various conditions of safe ship operation. The probability of an accident caused by ship's moving outside the available navigable area due to technical failures of ship equipment or tugs is determined, depending on the type of port waterway and the manoeuvres performed.

Influence of Intake Port Structure on the Performance of a Spark-Ignited Natural Gas Engine

Spark-ignited natural gas engines have received increasing attention in the heavy-duty market due to their low cost and reliability advantages. However, there are still some issues with natural gas engines retrofitted from 10 to 15 L diesel engines, which is a valuable medium-term goal for the automotive industry. In this work, the effect of intake port structure on the performance of a spark-ignited heavy-duty natural gas engine was investigated by multidimensional numerical simulations. A newly designed intake port was proposed, with strengthened in-cylinder turbulent kinetic energy and homogeneous air-fuel mixtures. Bench tests show that the proposed intake port has impressive thermal efficiency, cycle variation, and acceptable emissions performance. The effective thermal efficiency improves from 41.0% to 41.4%, and the cycle variation is 36% lower than traditional schemes. However, with the accelerated flame propagation, the in-cylinder temperature and NOx emission of the mixed-flow port increase while the CO emission decreases. In summary, a proper balance of in-cylinder swirl and tumble flow can significantly affect the economy and stability of natural gas engines. The proposed structure solves the inherent problems of slow natural gas flame propagation and harmful cyclic variations.

Hydrographic surveys as an art of delineating the impact of climate change on the coastal environment

Marine acoustic techniques are quite efficient in remote seabed classifications and hydrographic investigations by providing highly detailed information about broad areas of the seafloor and the subsurface layers in a short period of time. Climatic change is considered as the forcing factor for the eustatic sea-level-rise along the Mediterranean coast, leading to the large coastal inundation and the subsidence of the ancient maritime installations, these ancient sites can be used as indicators for the relative changes in sea-level through later times. Marine surveys were carried out to delineate the coastal geomorphological changes associated with sea level rises and natural hazards along some areas on the coast of Alexandria during the last two millennia. Hydrographic and seismic surveys were implemented in the study area by using a multi-beam echo-sounder, side scan sonar, and sub-bottom profiler, then the acoustic data were calibrated with dated core samples and ROV camera images. Multi-beam is considered the most commonly used tool in harbor surveys utilizing the returned acoustic signals to measure the depth of the seafloor, while the side scan sonar instrument provides high-resolution images for the elevated structures from the seafloor depending on the backscatter strength of the signal, and the sub-bottom profiler uses chirp waves that deliver high resolution vertical images for the subsurface sediment situation. Results of sonar imaging and bathymetric mapping outlined submerged margins of archaeological remains related to ancient Ptolemaic and Greek ports. Seismic interpretations revealed significant changes in the coastal geomorphology, where the massive burial of the port structure indicated the occurrence of sudden natural hazards originated from seismic waves; therefore, a destructive tsunami wave accompanied by sediment slumping that followed by eustatic sea-level-rise seems to be the dominant factors for this dramatic burial. The research results showed the potentiality of hydrographic surveys in detecting climate change indicators.

Wave downscaling strategies for practical wave agitation studies in harbours

An accurate estimation of the historical harbour wave agitation is fundamental for many practical applications, such as port downtime analyses. In practical harbour agitation studies, usually based on numerical propagations from offshore wave climate towards a harbour (wave downscaling), the accuracy in defining the outer wave climate has an impact on wave agitation estimations, especially important for multimodal wave climates. In this paper, several strategies for wave agitation downscaling are presented based on different existing approaches with different accuracy levels for: a) wave downscaling method; b) definition of outer spectral waves. The accuracy/performance of each approach is evaluated by applying, and comparing them with multi-point instrumental data from a field campaign, in a real scenario (Africa basin, Las Palmas Port, Spain) where the multimodality of waves, in addition to the agitation effects from port structures in the far-field, clearly determines the final accuracy of the in-port wave agitation. Improved results have been achieved with the most sophisticated/accurate strategies proposed. A comparative analysis of the advantages, limitations, uncertainty and CPU effort of each one, allows to suggest the preferable strategy, in each situation/context, for practical port wave agitation studies. • Six different wave downscaling strategies for practical wave agitation studies in harbours are presented. • A strongly multimodal outer-harbour wave climate is analyzed, resulting in an important influence on in-port wave agitation. • An accurate real-shaped characterization of forcing spectral wave climate is achieved, through a dynamic wave downscaling. • An uncertainty reduction in wave agitation prediction, approximately by half, is obtained presenting an accuracy ranking. • Instrumental data-based uncertainty is quantified, and a comparative analysis suggests the best-strategy to be followed.

Düşey Yüzlü Duvar Önünde Pervane Jetinin Neden Olduğu Oyulma

Scours that may occur on the sea floor during the navigation and maneuvers of ships can cause serious problems if precautions are not taken. The estimation of the scours to occur is of great importance for the stability of the port structures. In this study, scour in front of a vertical wall was investigated experimentally. For this purpose, quartz sand with an average sieve diameter of d50= 0.24 mm and a specific mass of ρ= 2650 kg/m3 was laid on the bottom of the 3.2x2.0x1.0 m test tank. A propeller made of brass with a diameter of 0.06 m was used in the experiments. The propeller was placed in 4 different positions between its axis and the polycarbon-based vertical wall and operated at 3 different rotation speeds. Velocity measurements were obtained using an ADVP operating on the Acoustic Doppler principle. The findings on the effects of the distance between the vertical wall and the propeller axis and the propeller rotation speed on the scour mechanism were compared with the studies in the literature.

Comparative Analysis of Dry Port Operations in Coastal and Landlocked Countries

Malaysia is a coastal country surrounded by sea, while Nepal is a landlocked country with no direct access to the ocean. This paper investigates the challenges faced by dry ports in Malaysia and Nepal and looks into issues concerning the connection of seaports and dry ports both intra-regionally, i.e. within Malaysia, and inter-regionally, i.e. outside of Nepal. The structure of dry port operating systems in these two areas is visibly different. Hence, the relationships between the major nodes in these different geographical regions need to be examined. Face-to-face and telephone interviews with dry port operators, legislative personnel, and public policy stakeholders from both countries were conducted to establish the impediments to dry port operations. Interview session transcripts have been analyzed using grounded theory. This tool is suitable for this paper due to its capacity to identify categories and concepts within the text linked together to form theoretical models. Secondary data have been used to support the primary data collected, to enhance the range and reliability of the findings. The findings indicate challenges such as inadequate connectivity capacity, inefficient border transactions, seaport-dry port integration issues, inefficient economic corridors, insufficient legislative framework for policy and regulation development, and environmental issues faced by the two countries. These challenges have a negative impact on the possibility of dry ports in Malaysia to take full advantage of their potential. Meanwhile, in Nepal, such challenges limit dry port operations since dry ports are the main gateway for the nation’s international trade. This paper recommends strategies for overcoming these challenges and improving the quality of dry port operations, focusing on the provision of sophisticated and modern logistics services to stakeholders in the different geographic landscapes.

Seismic Performance Assessment of Wide Pile-Supported Wharf Considering Soil Slope and Waveform Duration

Pile-supported wharf (PSW) is one of the primary port structures and is often damaged by earthquakes. To mitigate the risk of seismic damage to a PSW, its seismic performance should be thoroughly assessed. This study aimed to examine the impact of ground displacement on the seismic performance of PSW with a mild soil slope. We performed soil-structure system finite element analysis targeting a wide PSW. The analysis is divided into two scenarios. In the first scenario, the PSW was modeled without regard for the soil slope, whereas the second scenario considered the soil slope. Two waveforms that matched the target spectral acceleration were used to study the effects of the waveform duration on the seismic response of PSW. The analysis results revealed substantial influences of soil slope displacement as well as differences in waveforms on PSW’s seismic performance.

The Influence of the Discharge Port Structure on the Infrared Characteristics of Underwater Vehicle Thermal Jets

The circulating cooling water of underwater vehicle power systems is discharged through the discharge port and is mixed with the environmental water to form a thermal jet, which diffuses, floats up in the environmental water and displays infrared characteristics on the surface of the water body. In order to explore the influence of the discharge port structure on the infrared characteristics of underwater vehicle thermal jets, this paper adopts the methods of simulation analysis and experimental verification, and it establishes an underwater vehicle motion model based on the CFD computing software platform to design elliptic discharge port structures with different radius ratios and to compare their different thermal jet infrared characteristics. The influence of the oval discharge port radius ratio on the infrared characteristics of thermal jets is verified by the reduced-scale water tank experiment, and the authenticity of the simulation calculation method and design parameters is verified. On the basis of oval discharge ports, the number and distribution position of discharge ports are further designed to suppress the infrared characteristics of thermal jets and to improve the thermal stealth performance of underwater vehicles. According to the simulation calculation and experimental results, under the condition of the same discharge flow, as the radius ratio becomes smaller, the mixing heat transfer effect of the thermal jet becomes better, and the infrared characteristics become less obvious. Moreover, increasing the number of discharge ports and adopting the symmetrical arrangement of discharge ports can further strengthen the temperature attenuation of thermal jets and reduce the surface maximum temperature.

Habitat use and reproductive success of ospreys in central interior California

The osprey (Pandion halieatus) declined globally in the mid-late 20th century due primarily to pesticide contamination that reduced reproduction. The species has recovered through much of its range, and its range in California has increased. The species has received limited attention in recent decades, despite recommendations that it be monitored as an environmental indicator. In 2021, we located a sample of 39 osprey occupied nests near the Sacramento River and at reservoirs and small ponds in central interior California and determined habitats used and reproductive success. Nearly one-third of nests were located within 100 m of waterbodies and 88% were within 1000 m. The median distance of nests from roads was 51 m. Thirty-four (87%) of occupied nests were on anthropogenic sites, including utility poles, poles erected for ospreys, transmission towers, light poles, and port structures. Only five nests (13%) were in trees and snags. Nearly half (48%) of nests were on platforms constructed on utility poles and on poles erected for ospreys, both placed to protect electrical systems. Water levels in reservoirs, and some small farm ponds, were lower than average in 2021 due to drought, while the Sacramento River and Port were less affected. Twenty-four (71%) of 34 adequately monitored nests were successful in fledging at least one young. Productivity averaged 1.27 young/occupied nest, suggesting a healthy population. Reproductive success differed significantly among nests at different water body types, with river-port, reservoir, and pond sites exhibiting high, moderate, and low productivity, respectively. Our results document a range expansion into central interior California, presumably in response to reduced pesticide levels, reservoir creation, and availability of anthropogenic nest sites. Results also suggest that drought, and thus predicted warming and drier climate, may disproportionately affect populations nesting at non-riverine habitats by reducing the amount foraging area and increasing the distance from nest sites to foraging areas.

Characteristics of Wave Pressures According to the Installation Location of the Caisson Superstructure under Regular Waves

In recent years, coastal and port structures have attempted to prevent wave-overtopping or provide waterfront areas by installing superstructures on the structural crowns. In general, in the design stage, the Goda formula acting on the front the structure is applied to calculate the wave pressure acting on the superstructure in consideration of the wave-runup of the design wave. However, the wave pressure exceeding the Goda wave pressure could generate depending on the installation location of the superstructure where the wave-overtopping occurs. This study analyzed the applicability of the Goda formula to the wave pressure calculation for the superstructure of the vertical structures through hydraulic model experiments and numerical simulations. Furthermore, this study investigated the magnitude of the wave pressure acting on the superstructure based on detailed numerical results. As a result, the wave pressure acting on the superstructure was up to 120% higher than the maximum wave pressure on the still water surface. In addition, the wave pressure increases exponentially with the Froude number computed by the overtopping water depth at the crown of the structure, and we proposed an empirical formula for predicting the wave pressure based on the Froude number.

Potential for architectural adaptation port silos

Post-industrial port structures occupy significant territories and play an important role in the architectural environment of port cities. Constantly changing social needs predetermine the search for new ideas and approaches to the reintegration of the former port territories and structures. The general tendency to preserve the integrity and successive development of the urban environment is the rejection of demolitions, unpromising losses from the standpoint of ecology, culture and economics. Architectural adaptation of a unique historical form (from an individual object to a territory) contributes to its integration into the urban infrastructure; is the art of connecting past and present. The article analyzes the potential of the combined urban planning and architectural value of historical silos as integral elements of port areas, with the aim of their reuse and sustainable development. The catalyst for the search for new ideas for filling, for a vivid imaginative solution of the “space of the future” is the characteristics of port engineering and technical structures (silos, warehouses, berths, cooling towers, etc.), their town-planning value. The overlap of different moments in time stimulates social interaction, forms the “spectacularity of opportunities”, a creative industry. The paper considers the trends and methods of adaptation (transformation, smart reuse) of port territories and silos into a dynamic sustainable environment.

Potential for architectural adaptation port silos

Post-industrial port structures occupy significant territories and play an important role in the architectural environment of port cities. Constantly changing social needs predetermine the search for new ideas and approaches to the reintegration of the former port territories and structures. The general tendency to preserve the integrity and successive development of the urban environment is the rejection of demolitions, unpromising losses from the standpoint of ecology, culture and economics. Architectural adaptation of a unique historical form (from an individual object to a territory) contributes to its integration into the urban infrastructure; is the art of connecting past and present. The article analyzes the potential of the combined urban planning and architectural value of historical silos as integral elements of port areas, with the aim of their reuse and sustainable development. The catalyst for the search for new ideas for filling, for a vivid imaginative solution of the “space of the future” is the characteristics of port engineering and technical structures (silos, warehouses, berths, cooling towers, etc.), their town-planning value. The overlap of different moments in time stimulates social interaction, forms the “spectacularity of opportunities”, a creative industry. The paper considers the trends and methods of adaptation (transformation, smart reuse) of port territories and silos into a dynamic sustainable environment.