Case and Parametric Study on the Collapse of the USS Salem Wharf

The research presented herein has two principal objectives, which are (i) to develop a numerical framework to predict the collapse load of highly redundant structures with stiff superstructures under vertical (gravity) loads considering the instability of severely corroded steel H-piles as the predominant failure mode, and (ii) to investigate the influence of sheet and battered piles, stiffness of the superstructure, redundancy of supporting elements, and distribution of corroded piles on the performance of wharf structures.

The findings of this research indicated that higher collapse loads corresponded to an increase in the number of buckled piles and that the stiffness of the superstructure was a principal factor in the resulting load redistribution capabilities of this type of structure. Additionally, results indicated that the performance of the USS Salem Wharf structure could be maintained with a reduced number of piles, if the superstructure stiffness reached a level corresponding to un-cracked concrete sections.