Infrastructure Design for Automated Container Stacking Area

The volume of maritime trade transferred by container is continuously increasing. Due to the scarcity of storage space, the need for higher container storage capacity, and the demands for faster and more efficient operations, container terminal operators are moving from conventional operations toward semi- and fully-automated operations. With this change, engineers are faced with new challenges when designing terminal infrastructure. The container storage area is the largest and one of the most important areas within an automated container terminal. Infrastructure design of this area is critical for operational efficiency of the terminal. Critical infrastructure design elements within the automated container stacking area include Automated Stacking Crane (ASC) rails, ASC rail foundations, container stacking support systems, and storm drainage systems. ASC rails can be supported by concrete beam on grade, concrete beam on piles, or by concrete ties on ballast. The choice of rail foundation depends on various factors such as the initial cost, maintenance costs, impacts to terminal operations due to maintenance activities, and other site-specific conditions. Critical infrastructure design elements within the automated container stacking area include ASC rails, ASC rail foundations, container stacking support systems, and storm drainage systems. This paper addresses design considerations for these elements. These considerations will be supported by design experience on several domestic and international projects.