Port of Oakland Berths 57-59 Wharf Design

The wharf had to support a new generation of container cranes while meeting demanding seismic performance requirements. The soil conditions within the embankment presented an additional hurdle, requiring an innovative stabilization solution to ensure stability under seismic loads — all while keeping the design cost-effective.

Liftech began with a thorough concept study, evaluating ten design alternatives across the two extreme site conditions: the shallow and the deep mud (an ancient riverbed) sections of the embankment. For stabilization, Liftech developed a cost-effective solution combining Cement Deep Soil Mixing and a rock dike. Liftech also developed a new ductile shear key connection between wharf deck sections, designed to absorb seismic energy economically and, if needed, to be repaired after a major earthquake as well as a novel landside seawall made from precast wall segments that are easily removable for under deck post-earthquake repairs. Liftech served as lead designer on a multi-consultant team that included Ben C. Gerwick and Geomatrix among others.  Construction costs were less than expected allowing the Port to construct an extra 600 ft of wharf instead of the originally planned 3,000 ft.