Wharf Inspection, Repair, and Resilience at the Port of Long Beach

Abstract: The Port of Long Beach (Port) is a major seaport serving as a “Gateway to the Pacific” both to the Southern California region and nation. The Port has 6 Container Terminals, 7 Dry Bulk Terminals, 7 Liquid Bulk Terminals of which 4 are Oil Terminals, and 8 Break Bulk & Ro-Ro terminals of which 1 is Auto Terminal. The assets most critical to the Port consists of piers, wharves, and backlands, that include utilities, roadways, rail assets, and critical housing security office buildings of fire and life safety functions. Our paper will focus on the Port wharf inspection, repair, rehabilitation, and upgrade program that will be part of the ports overall Asset Management Program (AMP) and Cathodic Protection Program (CPP). This paper discusses and define design requirements, assumptions, constraints, and processes necessary for the Port-Wide Fender and Bollard Upgrade Projects and to provide recommendations for future fender and bollard upgrades. Also, this paper outlines policies to employ operational constraints, repairs requested, maintenance costs, and upgrades to port tenants. In addition, a frame work will be provided on how this is tied to the Port Climate Adaptation and Coastal Resiliency Plan (CRP).

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: We need to be diligent and provide an improved asset management guide. If we improve our understanding of waterfront assets needs we can maximize the use of the asset through better understanding of the conditions. It’s better to switch from reactive to proactive management. In addition, continuation of the cathodic protection maintenance program enhances the life expectancy of essential waterfront structures and ensuring structural integrity of the facilities keeps productivity of goods moving forward.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: Innovative techniques utilized at the Port include removing and redriving bearing piles without damaging the surrounding structures and without excessive demolition. Occasionally the Port will propose a new kind of material to use; however, doing so presents a challenge of finding a contractor who is competent with the new material. Other techniques that can be used would be advanced 3D mapping technology utilized for AMP. In addition, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs-drones) to provide timely and accurate inspection and analysis of hard-to-reach areas and implementing advanced remote monitoring systems for devices-cell phones connected to the ports cathodic protection rectifiers.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: One challenging issue was mobilizing the inspection and repair efforts. Each location at the Port has several stakeholders including tenants, terminal managers, utility companies, trucking, security, contractors, agencies such as Caltrans, and the Port. With all the conflicting requirements, it can be difficult to find solutions all parties can agree to. The solution, provide a clear plan of action and provide various conceptual options to repair in kind versus demolish and build new solved some of the issues. Communicating between different agencies can be challenging, but by discussing and holding meetings with the agencies the issues can be resolved.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: Other port and city agencies, port tenants, marine terminal operators, consultants, engineers, and inspectors.