Project Overview
Collins was retained by the Port of Orange, Texas, to perform a technical study for the rehabilitation of the Transmodal Yard (TMY) located at the Alabama Street Terminal. The TMY was constructed in 2010 as a reinforced concrete slab on-grade with a steel sheet pile bulkhead along the waterfront supported by a tie back and sheet pile deadman system.
Since its construction, the TMY has not been functional. Shortly after the facility was commissioned, significant settlement originated between the bulkhead and deadmen.
The Port enlisted the services of a forensics firm to evaluate the causes of the failures and assist in legal matters pertaining to the engineer of record.
In light of a need to service clients through the use of the TMY, Collins performed extensive geotechnical investigation outboard of the TMY bulkhead, between the bulkhead and deadman system, and behind the deadman system to ascertain soil conditions, characteristics, and primary and secondary consolidation.
Following the geotechnical investigation, a report was prepared which defined the options, longevity, and cost for various viable options for repairing the existing failed structure; accommodating the proper design loads associated with cranes, reach stackers, and stacked containers; and allow for 15 feet of dredging along the bulkhead to accommodate container barges.