Civil Engineers Announce New Seismic Standard for Piers and Wharves

Call For Members  

In 2002, a labor dispute shut down ports along the west coast, an action that ultimately impacted businesses across the nation. Due to the proximity of many of these ports to fault lines, effects from damage caused by a major earthquake would have even greater regional and national impacts. In response to that threat, COPRI established a committee focused on developing a new standard for seismic design of piers and wharves.

The new standard will provide analysis and design guidance for wharves and piers. It will address their unique load combinations – including berthing and mooring loads that may govern the lateral load design in low seismic regions – in addition to geotechnical issues, such as the potential for pile foundations to penetrate through weak soil layers. Other primary considerations will include liquefaction, lateral spreading and slope stability.

Applications are currently being accepted for appointments to the new committee. To request an application, contact Eileen Boeing, ASCE standards coordinator, at eboeing@asce.org or (703) 295-6338. For more information regarding the standard, contact Gayle Johnson, committee chair, at (510) 452-0040 or gjohnson@han-padron.com.