Analysis of a Wharf for a Container Terminal

A balanced combination of sophisticated computer programs was employed to model the soil strata, foundation and structure of a wharf for a new container terminal in the Port of Topolobampo, Mexico. The analysis was performed after severe pile misalignments and distresses were observed during the construction of about 70% of the structure. The detailed analysis was performed with minimum disruption of construction operations and helped determine certain modifications in the deck slab, piles, and landside filling. These changes saved a young project from a possible instability in the construction process and a possible failure under service loading.