Berths 196-199 Wharf Rehabilitation at the Port of Los Angeles

Berths 196-199 at the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) are utilized as an auto terminal with an extensive railyard for loading/unloading of auto racks. Due to existing conditions and structure age, rehabilitation is required. Rehabilitation consists of approximately 60 timber piles and 1,600 joists undergoing repair, in-kind replacement, or upgrade; concrete wharf repairs to replace approximately 120,230 sf of asphalt concrete; restoring load carrying capacity to 500 psf (axial pile capacity is the limiting factor); and upgrading vehicle load from small truck to standard class highway loading (HS-20). In addition, an under-wharf inspection found all utility pipes (except waterlines) under deck are no longer in use and contaminated with hazardous materials, and the potable water lines are in need of replacement. This paper discusses the challenges faced in rehabilitating a 30+ year old wharf with differing structural elements, including abatement and removal of contaminated utility pipes, while maintaining operational capacity.