Research Article
Sep 1972
Behavior of Wharf Affected by River Fluctuations
Publication: Journal of the Soil Mechanics and Foundations Division
Volume 98, Issue 9
Abstract
Fluctuations of water levels in the Houston Ship Channel caused movements and some structural damage to a pile-supported wharf constructed in overconsolidated plastic Pleistocene clay. During the winter after dredging to deepen the ship channel and again during the next winter, movements occurred when lower than normal water levels were produced by short-duration strong northerly winds. Dredging of the channel initiated a progressive type of soil failure in the high swelling Beaumont clay. The lower than normal water levels caused repeated temporary overstressing and spreading of the failure surface behind the wharf. The initial slide movement occurred when an extreme low water level created sufficient overstress for a long enough period to cause rapid progressive failure. Analyses of the movements revealed that the long-term stability of the wharf built in expansive overconsolidated clay should be based on effective stress parameters significantly less than the peak values. The wharf was successfully renovated without disrupting loading operations of vessels.
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Information
Published In
Journal of the Soil Mechanics and Foundations Division
Volume 98 • Issue 9 • September 1972
Pages: 939 - 954
Copyright
© 1972 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Sep 1972
Published online: Feb 12, 2021
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Authors
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Richard A. Sullivan, M.ASCE
Mgr. of Engrg., McClelland Engineers, Inc., Houston, Tex.
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.