Washington United Terminals Berth Extension

The Port of Tacoma's Washington United Terminals (WUT) wanted to increase its container handling capacity by adding up to three 24-wide container cranes to supplement the four existing 18-wide cranes. The Port agreed to extend the existing 2,000-foot (609.6-meter) marginal wharf by 600 feet (183 meters) to provide two 1,300-foot (369.2-meter) berths. However, the adjacent Blair Terminal wharf had to be shortened by 600 feet (183 meters) to make way for the WUT wharf extension, and both facilities were to be kept fully operational throughout construction. Practical strategies for construction sequencing and a number of innovative applications of existing technologies were incorporated to deliver the project successfully and on time while satisfying the design requirements and the interests of involved parties. Stone column ground improvements were installed along the under-wharf slope and behind the bulkhead before pile driving, solving several design issues and providing the framework for structural design. A connection between the existing wharf and new extension was installed to make the two structures continuous. A stormwater system was installed to meet new strict stormwater regulations. Additionally, several sustainable features of construction and design were incorporated to minimize environmental impact.