Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal—Site Preparation, Surcharge Program, Utilities, and Foundation Design

Transitioning 230 acres (93 hectares) of a former naval complex containing a dredge disposal area, tidal marsh, 60 acres (24 hectares) of land reclaimed at the Cooper River and a World War II-era airfield into the South Carolina Ports Authority’s (SCPA) newest container terminal required creative and expansive infrastructure and site preparation. Beginning in 2007 with the demolition of the existing facilities and continuing through the import of over 5,844,000 cubic yards (CY) (4,468,000 m³) of fill material, the installation of over 6,300 mi (10,100 km) of wick drains, and the driving of thousands of piles to support multiple structures, the geotechnical concerns on this project were significant and highlight the challenges the SCPA and their partners overcame to successfully open the terminal in March 2021. This case study presents the process of site preparation for the new Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal (HLT) in North Charleston, South Carolina, including lessons learned from geotechnical project challenges.