Presentation Title:
Manhattan Cruise Terminals Geotechnical Assessment: Analysis of Timber Piles in Soft Organic Silts
Abstract:
Pennoni Engineering & Surveying of New York, P.C. (Pennoni) completed an assessment of the geotechnical conditions at the Manhattan Cruise Terminals (Piers 88, 90, 92 & 94) after excessive settlement and structural distress was reported at Pier 92. The piers are located on the Hudson River along the west side of Manhattan, New York. The following paper focuses on the investigation and analysis performed on Pier 88 located at the western terminus of 48th Street. The pier is supported by approximately 2,500 timber piles bearing on soft organic silts and clays. The first portion of the analysis consisted of an offshore field investigation and laboratory testing to classify the subsurface soils within the project area and estimate the geotechnical capacities of the timber piles. Additionally, a settlement analysis including consolidation and negative skin friction analyses was performed to evaluate existing settlement levels. Axial and lateral analysis were performed to develop the soil springs (p-y, t-z, and q-z curves) necessary for the structural analysis. The assessment was limited to the Timber high-level platform of the pier.