Port of Los Angeles, TraPac Terminal Development: The First Semi-Automated On-Dock Rail Facility at the Port of Los Angeles

This paper will focus on the main design challenges, lessons learned and features of the overall rail yard project, including: 1) Track layout: allows for simultaneous arrivals and departures via two lead tracks, maximizes flexibility to access working tracks from the leads, provides for in-terminal railcar maintenance, and maximizes working track lengths within the constrained terminal to serve up to four (4) trains per day. 2) Foundation design of crane rail and ancillary crane infrastructure for wide-span cranes that weigh 500 tons, are 270 feet in width and have a 136 foot span: Analysis includes beam-on-grade comparison with large custom concrete ties, taking into account fabrication and maintenance considerations. Discussion will include ancillary crane infrastructure such as stow pins, jack-up plates, and cable trays. 3) Construction phasing of the new intermodal facility with adjacent backland development, surcharge plans, and on-site crane erection allows for ongoing existing terminal operations. 4) Advanced centralized technology applications (TIMS, Red-Flag Blue-Flag, OCR, AEI) with special requirements for longshore work rules and practices enabling semi-automated container handling operations. Innovative radiation portal monitor (RPM) stations that facilitate the required customs and border protection scanning between the automated container yard and the ICTF using a first-of-its-kind conveyor belt system. Discussion will include evaluation of alternative systems in an automated environment.