Shallow bedrock poses a significant challenge for open berth piers due to the intense horizontal forces exerted by berthing vessels. These piers, typically narrow in design, offer limited leverage to counter the substantial overturning moment generated by these forces. Additionally, their lightweight nature means their dead load provides insufficient resisting moment to counteract the berthing-induced moment.
The soil above the bedrock plays a crucial role in providing lateral resistance against these forces, contributing to the overall stability of the pier. However, in shallow bedrock conditions, the limited soil cover restricts the development of adequate lateral resistance.
Furthermore, the prevalent use of driven steel tubular piles with concrete infill in marine construction further exacerbates the issue. These piles can only be founded on the rockhead surface, limiting their embedment depth and hindering their ability to mobilize sufficient lateral resistance in shallow bedrock scenarios.
Consequently, shallow bedrock conditions can significantly compromise the stability of open berth piers, making them more susceptible to damage or failure under the immense berthing loads.