Bulkhead Instability in Soft Soil

by Michael Lithman, Ellis & Associates Inc, Jacksonville, FL, USA,
Michael Lueckenhoff, Ellis & Associates Inc, Jacksonville, FL, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '87

Abstract:

This paper presents a case study involving the severe disturbance of the subsurface soils in front of an existing bulkhead caused by the berthing of a jack-up type, offshore drilling vessel. These vessels attain partial stability while in berth by jacking their structurally connected footings or mat into the subsurface soils. Soon after penetration of the rig footings into the subsurface soils, the facility's sheet pile bulkhead began moving out towards the vessel. The sheet pile tieback anchor wall also deflected outward. This case study presents the investigation procedures used to determine the cause of the movements, the extent of the distress and remedial action taken to rehabilitate the bulkhead.

Subject Headings: Coastal protection structures | Bulkheads | Soft soils | Offshore drilling | Case studies | Subsurface investigation | Soil stabilization

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