Challenges during the Design and Construction of the New Wharf and Double Sheetpile Wall Breakwater at Puerto San Antonio, Chile

Puerto Central (PCE) was awarded in 2011 a new concession at Puerto San Antonio, the main port of Chile. In 2013 they started a major renovation project as part of the concession agreement, the largest port infrastructure investment under construction in the country. The new terminal will be capable of receiving 366 m LOA post Panamax vessels and move 1.2M TEU per year. It will also transfer sulfuric acid, clinker, ro-ro, and bulk cargo. The main structures on the project are a 700 m long vertical pile wharf and a double sheetpile wall breakwater. The wharf considers a precast concrete system that works as formwork and shapes beams and slabs, allowing faster and simpler construction than traditional piling wharves. The breakwater is 50 m long and 15 m wide, it is exposed to large wave action and strong seismic loads. There are not many documented examples of structures like this, making it ideal for a case study. A description of the most relevant design and construction challenges for these structures is presented.