Performance of New Pile-Deck Connections under Earthquakes

Many ports in the Pacific are experiencing significant growth as a result of increased business trade. In these areas of the world, container wharves need to be designed for a combination of gravity loads and seismic loading. The connection between the pile and the wharf is critical as large ductility requirements may be relied upon these connections. This paper discusses the results of an experimental program funded by the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) to improve and enhance the performance of pile-deck connections that will satisfy the requirements of the new Performance based Seismic Design Code for Container Wharves issued by the port. Two full-scale units, representing typical seismic and non-seismic pile-deck connections were tested under reversed cyclic loading. The tests units showed lateral displacement reserves significantly greater than those that corresponded to the structural strain-limits in the new Seismic Design Code for the Port of Los Angeles.