Characterizing the berthing load demand at Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Ferry Landings

Abstract

This report provides design guidelines and recommendations for side-berthing loads on ferry landing structures. Berthing loads on ferry berthing structures are not well understood due to a lack of information and research for ferry class vessels. The load criteria for the design of ferry berthing structures are thus often based on a number of assumptions, often leading to uneconomical or unreliable structures. The Alaska Department of Transportation (AKDOT&PF) recognizes the need for an improved information base on berthing loads from ferry class vessels, for the design and operation of future facilities within the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). This study involves a one year empirical investigation into side-berthing loads at the Auke Bay ferry landing located in Juneau, Alaska. Measurements of fender displacement, approach velocity, and pile strain were used to determine berthing loads from scheduled berthings from four different vessels. Measured parameters were analyzed statistically, and used to establish distributions and design recommendations for berthing energy, force, velocity, and berthing coefficient based on reliability theory. This study provides an assessment of load criteria currently used by the AK DOT&PF Marine Department, as well as design load recommendations for both service and ultimate side-berthing loads from ferry class vessels.