ABSTRACT
Transnet Capital Projects was appointed by Transnet National Ports Authority to undertake a Research and Development study on the structural assessment of Berth 209 to determine if the structure would be able to accommodate bigger vessels. The structure was designed for a 50 yr design period based on a 50 000 DWT tanker in 1980. The quay wall is an open suspended deck-on-piles concrete structure. The assessment was based on visual observations, historical data and finite modelling of the existing structure. Loads imposed by bigger vessels were calculated and applied. Hollow steel sections were used on some of the piles but the steel has virtually corroded and spalling was observed on the edges of mooring dolphins. Nevertheless, from the research and analysis done it was concluded that the berth would be able to handle bigger vessels up to 75000 DWT. However, proper fenders should be installed and the concrete refurbished.
