Client: Dublin Port Company
The Texaco Yard Holding Area is one of a number of holding areas within the Dublin Port Operational Zone granted permission as a general cargo holding area in 2015. It was later decided to make accommodation for future container stacking including access platforms for refrigerated containers (reefers).
DBFL provided a full range for civil and structural engineering consultancy services as well as coordination of mechanical and electrical requirements for the new space. The works included installation of new foundations and support structures for access platforms, new substation and switch room, new drainage and utility network as well as new high mast lighting, security fence, automated security gates and new high strength pavements with directional demarcation. DBFL were involved from concept to handover of the yard in early 2017.
The Texaco Yard is required to accommodate containers stacked up to 5 high, in addition to the high imposed loads from Rubber Tyre Gantry (RTG) cranes and reach stackers. Through extensive research on pavement design, and the implementation of a rigorous site investigation campaign, DBFL designed the crane runway beams as ground bearing slabs, which eliminated the need for extensive piling works. This significantly reduce overall project cost, programme, and reduced the environmental impact of the scheme by reducing steel and concrete material volumes (and associated emissions from transport). Due to the strict gradient tolerances associated with the RTGs (c. 1:500), DBFL designed a heavy duty linear channel drain system instead of traditional gullies. This system also had the benefit of reducing dig levels, which minimised the excavation of potentially contaminated materials across the site.
During the construction phase, the Contractor proposed a steel fibre reinforced option as opposed to reinforcing the slabs with traditional steel reinforcement. DBFL engaged with the Contractor and concrete fibre specialists to satisfy ourselves that the fibre reinforced solution would perform adequately over the design life of the structure. This ultimately led to significant programme savings, as the steel fibres could be added at source, and the labour associated with cutting and tying traditional steel reinforcement was removed. As well as significant programme savings, the carbon footprint of the scheme was also reduced by adopting this approach.
Project Director
