San Pedro Breakwater Comprehensive Condition Assessment

The third comprehensive condition assessment of the San Pedro Breakwater was performed between July 2009 and August 2012 to provide the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with an assessment of its functionality, and the basis for the planning of future repairs, maintenance and improvements. The assessment indicated that in its current condition, the San Pedro Breakwater appears to be providing the required functionality of wave protection to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. However, uncertainty about its functionality still remains if damaged by a combination of high waves and water levels. Settlement has resulted in a relatively low freeboard which makes the breakwater vulnerable to damage by wave overtopping in combined high wave and water level conditions, in particular during El Niño years. The likelihood of damage due to high waves and water levels is considerably greater than what might occur as a result of an earthquake. The risk of breakwater failure is significantly increased by a factor of 2.3 when sea level rise due to climate change by 2060 is considered. In the event of a moderate to large earthquake at the Palos Verdes Fault, liquefaction of the foundation at the east end of the breakwater would occur which could lead to significant deformations and failure of the breakwater in that area.