In-Situ Testing of Mooring Bollards

This paper will illustrate an economical method of testing existing and newly installed ship mooring bollards using drawings, photographs, and load charts. The task presented was to design, fabricate, and transport a portable loading system that would be capable of applying specified design line loads for mooring bollards. The loads were to be fifty (50) to one hundred (100) ton line pulls from zero (0) to thirty (30) degrees to the horizontal. The test loads were developed by using horizontal and vertical load components simultaneously. Personnel performing the work were to demonstrate previous experience in full load bollard testing and required to submit the test apparatus design along with a detailed test plan. A loading frame was designed which was transported and set into place for each test. The program called for the testing of 37 bollards. The frame and jack system were designed, submitted for approval, fabricated, and transported to the test site. The tests were completed as prescribed and results presented to the contracting authority. The test device worked and could be conveniently used to test additional bollards at any time prescribed or requested by the owner.