Uncharted Territory: Challenges and Success in the Terminal 5 Berth Modernization Test Pile Program

The Port of Seattle, in preparation for the design and construction of an upgrade to a concrete container wharf, conducted a test pile program. Targeted at reducing construction costs and risks as well as environmental impacts, the program provided new insight into several areas related to pile driving in a shoreline environment. For the program, new high-strength, high-stress precast concrete piles were developed and tested. Greater geotechnical capacity of open-ended steel pipe piles was proven for the site soils. Regulatory approval of in-water rapid load testing was gained in the Pacific Northwest. Hydroacoustic noise, terrestrial noise, and vibration data were gathered for rapid load testing. Furthermore, the program was successful at reducing risk and cost of the larger construction project to follow and reducing its impact on the environment.