Project Summary

Burrows Graham have been appointed as civil, structural and highways consultants for the on the replacement of 2 no failing container yards adjacent a privately owned rail track.

Services include civil, structural and highways engineering. For multiple varying developments.

The existing container slabs are of varying construction but are both showing signs of serious degradation. While both slabs are currently able to be tracked without fear of catastrophic failure, the excessive wear it is bringing to the reach stacker and crane tyres has a significant financial impact. The current slab condition also brings limitations on loading patterns limiting the maximum TEU that can be achieved, with obvious financial implications.

Significantly complex design loading calculations were required to establish depths and potential stacking exclusion zones. Multiple currently operating inland ports were visited with lessons being taken from areas where failure has occurred. These lessons have been incorporated into the slab design and joint layout for these projects.

Key Engineering Challenges

• Catering for the very significant point loads created by reach stackers moving 40ft containers
• Phasing the existing yard replacement to allow the limited functioning of the container port