Seismic Performance and Design of Port Structures

This paper describes an emerging methodology for seismic evaluation and design of port structures. The methodology is based on minimum life-cycle cost principle through probabilistic evaluation of performance. While conventional seismic design of port structures are based on a particular return period specified for design, the methodology based on life-cycle cost allows for consideration of ground motions with all (or varying) return periods and uncertainty in geotechnical conditions. The methodology based on life-cycle cost also allows the probability of failure being evaluated rather than prescribed by an authority. Since ordinary port structures are for commercial use, the method based on the life-cycle cost has potential advantages over conventional design. An example is presented. In particular, the simplified design charts that are based on a series of parametric studies of effective stress analyses have great benefit for implementing the proposed methodology in practice. Apart from the ordinary port structures, higher priority should be assigned for safety as a performance objective. This issue is especially relevant if port structures are essential parts of post-earthquake emergency strategies for recovery and restoration of urban areas. The paper also discusses the importance of this issue and the future direction of study.