Thesis (M.S.)--Rutgers University, 2008. / "Graduate Program in Oceanography." Includes bibliographical references (p. 87-91).

The seismic performance of port structures has been well documented following recent earthquakes, and indicates that port structures are highly susceptible to earthquake-induced damages. These damages are primarily due to soil liquefaction and the associated ground failures. Sheet pile bulkheads provide vital intermodal and lifeline transportation links between water-side and land-side traffic, and are waterfront structures particularly vulnerable to liquefaction-induced damages. Due to the prevalence of liquefaction-induced damages, many ports are utilizing soil improvement techniques to mitigate these hazards. Many port authorities have proposed utilizing performance-based design criteria to limit potential earthquake-induced damages. The current design method for sheet pile walls (Mononobe-Okabe) is based on simple, limit equilibrium analysis techniques, which are poorly suited for performance-based design. Recent advancements in the seismic design of sheet pile walls have addressed some of the limitations of the current design methods, but are still inadequate for performing a complete, performance-based design for locations that contain potentially liquefiable soils and/or where soil improvement strategies have been instituted. This study has focused on conducting an empirical investigation and numerical modeling to determine the seismic performance of sheet pile walls, and the performancebased benefit of soil improvement through densification. A case history validated, nonlinear effective stress computer program was used to perform numerical parametric studies on various design parameters (earthquake properties, depth of sheet pile embedment, sheet pile wall stiffness, tie rod length, density of the backfill, and extent of soil densification). The results have been presented as a performance-based design method, and include a design chart that provides practitioners with a preliminary design tool that may be used to estimate the seismic deformations of sheet pile walls with or without soil improvement. The study has demonstrated that soil densification can greatly reduce the seismicallyinduced deformations, especially when the magnitude of soil improvement extends beyond the location of the anchor. The study has also demonstrated that the use of soil densification techniques for mitigating seismic hazards may not be adequate in limiting deformations to allowable limits, and that other methods of soil improvement (cementation, drainage, etc.) or structural improvements may also be required. / Graduation date: 1998

No description available.

The Australian Maritime Engineering Cooperative Research Centre, and its partner organisation initiated this research effort. In particular, BHP and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation held the principal interest, as this research effort was a part of the investigation into the utilisation of X-80 steel in naval platforms. After some initial considerations, this research effort focussed on the development of X-80 steel blast tolerant transverse bulkheads. Unfortunately, due to the Australian Maritime Engineering Cooperative Research Centre not being re-funded after June 2000 and other project factors, the planned blast tests were not conducted, hence this research effort focussed on the tools needed for the formation of optimised blast tolerant transverse bulkheads rather than on the development of a single structural arrangement. Design criteria were formed from the worst case operational requirements for a transverse bulkhead, which would experience a 150 kg equivalent blast load at 8 m from the source. Since the development of any optimised blast tolerant structure had to be carried out using finite element analysis, material constants for X-80 steel under high strain rates were obtained. These material constants were implemented in the finite element analysis and the appropriate solid element size was evolved. The behaviour and effects of stress waves and high strain rates were considered and the literature reviewed, in particular consideration was given to joint structures and weld areas effects on the entire structural response to a blast load. Furthermore, to support the design criteria, rupture prediction and determination methodologies have been investigated and recommendations developed about their relevance. Since the response of transverse bulkheads is significantly affected by their joint and stiffener arrangements, separate investigations of these structures were undertaken. The outcomes of these investigations led to improvements in the blast tolerance behaviour of joints and stiffeners, which also improved the overall response of the transverse bulkhead to air blast loads. Finally, an optimisation procedure was developed that met all the design criteria and its relevant requirements. This optimisation procedure was implemented with the available data, to show the potential to develop optimised X-80 steel blast tolerant transverse bulkheads. Due to the constraints mentioned above the optimisation procedure was restricted, but did show progression towards more effective blast tolerant transverse bulkhead designs. Factors, such as double skin bulkheads, maximising plate separation, and the use of higher yield steel all showed to be beneficial in the development of optimal X-80 steel blast tolerant transverse bulkheads, when compared to the ANZACclass D-36 steel transverse bulkheads.

Thesis (M.E. (Res.))--University of New South Wales, 2001. / Optical disc inserted in pocket on p. [3] of cover. Includes bibliographical references. Also available online.