Specialized Multi-Axial Geogrid Stabilized Crane Platform Resilience to Hurricane Harvey

This is a case history of the design, construction, and performance of a geogrid stabilized ringer crane platform used during construction of a petrochemical facility in southern Louisiana. Unbeknownst to designers and engineers would be the onslaught of Hurricane Harvey during operation of the ringer crane in summer 2017. The PTC-200 DS ringer crane was configured with a maximum bearing pressure of 192 kPa, a load spreader ring with outside and inside diameters of 56 and 33.2 m, respectively, and was rated the third largest crane in the world. Challenges included stringent differential settlement criteria, site conditions of predominantly moist expansive clays, providing sufficient drainage for the unique geometry of the crane, and preventing the sand bed leveling surface from displacing or eroding. The resiliency and performance of the geogrid stabilized platform was demonstrated when the working platform withstood the devastating tropical storm without damage and the crane resumed operation the day after the storm passed. Primary success of this project is attributed to timely involvement of the teams of engineers and consultants, the design of an aggressive drainage system and refinement of the sand pontoon surface, and the willingness of the owner and his engineers to consider an alternative design solution.