Case Study: Bollard Load Testing at U.S. Naval Facilities

This paper outlines the inspection process and the current methodologies for testing mooring hardware including the benefits of performing a berthing analysis prior to designing a load testing program. The paper then looks at three different case studies where the authors conducted load testing for the United States Navy on five different types of bollards. Each example presents a different type of bollard and foundation, and the unique challenges for testing that bollard. It includes a discussion on how the various challenges were overcome, and discusses the lessons learnt and how the authors would have done things differently. This paper concludes with a summary of where the industry stands currently with respect to mooring fitting load testing and a look forward to possible improvements in the way testing is conducted and the adoption of standard testing procedures.