Kodiak Pier 3 - Ship Motion Tests for a Solid Fill and Pile-Supported Pier

Wave basin model tests were conducted to evaluate whether the model ship moved more when moored at a pile supported pier or a solid fill pier (quay wall) for the same incoming wave spectra. Mooring forces were also measured and the model scale was 50:1. The effects of different significant wave heights, wave periods, and wave directions were measured to determine the six degrees of freedom of ship motions using an optical motion tracking system. Load cells in 4 of the 14 mooring lines were used to measure the mooring line forces. Wire cables and springs were used to model the synthetic mooring lines. The test results for the optical tracking system and video of the motions in the wave basin testing showed no overall advantage for either pier type considering ship motions and mooring forces.