Design, Maintenance and Sustainability of Container Terminal Pavements (PIANC WG 243)

Abstract: PIANC Working Group Report No.165-2015, Design and Maintenance of Container Terminal Pavements, is being updated to include consideration of the sustainability of container terminal Pavements. The work is being carried out by a team of international consultants forming Working Group 243. The members comprise professionals from port authorities, terminal operators, consultants, contractors, and material suppliers with experience with port pavements. The report is scheduled for publication in late 2024 or early 2025.
This paper discusses the various topics considered for addition to the original report. These include the use of sustainable and innovative materials and their carbon levels. Other topics include the effects of automation and alternative power for handling equipment on pavement requirements. It would not be complete without sections on maintenance planning to extend pavement life and minimize disruption to terminal operations. Having met the required service life and a new pavement is required, guidance will be provided on how the demolition materials can be salvaged and reutilized.
The report will provide information to the specifiers and designers of port terminal pavements to help reduce the quantity of new materials from natural resources used in a pavement, and the environmental factors in producing and transporting them to the project site. It will also provide information for assessing the whole life of the pavement with respect to maintenance requirements, operational disruption, and end of life opportunities.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: A typical container terminal pavement is around 2 ft. thick with a materials content of around 3,300 cubic yards per acre, with much of it coming from regional natural resources. The paper will provide information to the designer that can be included in increasing the whole life performance of the pavement, reducing the depletion of natural resources and improving the environmental impacts of the project. It will inform the paper’s audience of the availability of the report and where further information can be obtained.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: The PIANC report will consider existing technology that can be adopted with a reduced environmental impact as well as introducing developing technologies that may have a place in the future of port pavement design and construction. These may not be available in all locations, but may push the development and use of other options in some locations.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: There is no one size fits all approach to the topics covered in the report, and developing innovative materials may not be realistic for some time. By inclusion of international professionals as authors, PIANC will use their experience in determining whether the guidance provided will be suitable for a wide range of port development types around the world.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: The paper is targeted to the engineers undertaking the design and specification of port pavements, however there will be useful information for all pavement designers. The report will also provide background for decision makers in port authorities, terminal operators and various pavement users.