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Ports '25

Port Engineering

6B: Port Engineering

New ASCE/COPRI Design Standards for Piers and Wharves – Geotechnical Considerations

Tuesday, June 3, 2025
1:30 PM – 1:50 PM East Coast USA Time
Abstract: In 2019, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Coasts, Oceans, Ports and Rivers Institute (COPRI) voted to create a Standards Committee entitled "Design Standards for Piers and Wharves" to address the lack of comprehensive standard or guidance in the United States. The purpose of this standard is to provide a consensus-driven, single resource document that provides consistent analysis and design guidance for determining loads, load combinations, and load factors for mooring, berthing, and wave/current forces. This design standard will complement and reference the currently available ASCE/COPRI Standard 61-titled "Seismic Design of Piers and Wharves."
This paper will present a detailed discussion on the Chapter 8 of the standard on Geotechnical Considerations for Subsurface Investigation and Foundation Design which describes the considerations for appropriate level of geotechnical investigations to determine subsurface conditions. The chapter also describes minimum requirements for design of geotechnical features of marine structures such as ground water level, slope stability, settlement, bulkhead walls, retaining structures, shallow and deep foundations for marine structures, ground improvement and construction observation from geotechnical perspective. Importance of adequate geotechnical site characterization will be discussed as it determines subsequent design and construction decisions. Suitable design methodologies and the need for close interactions with structural designer will be discussed.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: This Standard provides a unique opportunity for the industry to participate in a consensus-driven standard for piers and wharves. There is a lack of consensus and understanding on the level of geotechnical site characterization needed for the design of piers and wharves. Geotechnical design requirements will be clarified for the benefit of owners, structural and geotechnical designers.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: This Standard is innovative because it will be a single, ready reference document to analyze and design piers and wharves. The paper intends to bring in-depth discussion on the geotechnical design aspects.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: Importance of adequate geotechnical site characterization, suitable design methodologies and the need for close interactions with structural designer will be discussed.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: The target audience for this paper is design engineers, port authorities, and decision-makers.