Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 4 Berth - Value Added Design of a Modern Wharf

Abstract: The new Cruise Terminal 4 design is underway at Port Canaveral, Florida. The new facility will be designed to berth next generation and largest cruise vessels: the RCL Icon of the Seas and the MSC World Europa, while also accommodating a wide range of the current smaller vessel classes. Present construction industry market conditions challenge traditional budgeting and financial planning approaches for project development and the reliance on historical construction cost data as predictors of future capital expenditures. More than ever, industry cost-trends will demand creative design approaches to allow competitive development of sustainable future cruise facility projects.

This paper will describe the approach implemented during conceptual design of the new cruise terminal facility at Port Canaveral. Design options considered during the conceptual phase of project development will be presented, including a historical perspective of lessons learned from past similar projects as a precursor to the development of potential approaches to reduce construction costs. Each option will be explained by presenting positives and negatives from a design risk and beneficial cost reduction perspectives. The paper will present the technical design approach used to vet the identified value alternatives, which included:

(1) The incorporation of a partial pile-supported relieving slab to reduce lateral earth pressure loading on the tie-back bulkhead wall. The extents and relative location of the pile-supported relieving slab were optimized using finite element analyses. Pressure dissipation patterns resulting from surface applied loads were evaluated with the objective of minimizing lateral earth pressure loading at the location of maximum bending moments at the bulkhead wall. The design approach included sensitivity analysis to optimize the relieving slab dimensions and the associated cost/benefit ratio.
(2) Implementation of ground improvement techniques. Backfill surcharging and dynamic deep compaction were evaluated to improve the strength and load-deformation properties of the upper zone fine-grained soils. Improvements to the existing upper zone soil properties were assessed by analysis and by comparison of pre and post-improvement cone-penetrometer testing resistance logs.
(3) Alternate bulkhead wall tie-back anchorage systems. Final element analysis was utilized to evaluate several options, including: (a) Steel pile-supported A-frame structure; (b) Traditional steel combiwall anchor walls and (c) A combined system incorporating an optimal quantity of battered piles as part of an optimized anchor wall system. The design relied on improved soil properties to optimize structural system performance and the associated construction costs.
(4) A more in-depth hydrodynamic analysis of potential seabed scour for elimination or reduction of the grouted scour protection mats and scour mitigation at adjacent small-craft marina facilities. The hydrodynamic studies included evaluation of potential equilibrium scour through incorporation of three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics software analyses and empirical scour evaluation methods to assess long-term scour patterns. Soil grain-size properties at various dredge depths were evaluated and incorporated as analysis inputs.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: The approach established for the Cruise Terminal 4 project will serve as a guide in the application of practical engineering for similar facilities in the future. The lessons learned and successes achieved for this project will help educate and guide future designers.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: Yes. The innovative value-added approach that was followed for this project represents a unique opportunity to apply lessons learned from several past projects at Port Canaveral. The potential benefits that will be achieved represent the application of unique specialized knowledge obtained after many years of design experience designing cruise vessel marine facilities.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: The inherent uncertainties associated with the evaluation of existing site soil conditions. Our design approach utilized contemporary and extensive geotechnical and geophysical technology industry practices for a comprehensive assessment of soil material conditions. Similarly, propeller/thruster soil wash hydrodynamic modeling techniques were utilized as an advanced design and predictive tool to educate construction scope decisions for the project.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: Design engineers (ports and maritime, structural, geotechnical, coastal), owners, project managers and construction contractors.