OCC offers structural analysis services for marine structures that include:

• Load Rating Analysis of Existing Structures

OCC performs load rating analyses on various types of existing structures including pipe support structures, bulkheads, breasting or mooring dolphins, seawalls, piers and wharves.  These analyses  verify the capacity and adequacy of existing structures during both normal conditions and storm events.   Evaluations may be required due to an anticipated increase in loading conditions, ongoing deterioration of the structure, which may reduce the capacity, or a change in the use of the structure.  Structural assessments are based on applicable code requirements and loading conditions often using finite element modeling in order to achieve an accurate analysis.

• Berthing and Mooring Analysis

OCC performs berthing and mooring analyses on both proposed and existing structures.  Software is used to plan new facilities or evaluate mooring line arrangements at existing facilities and to determine the critical design loads mooring points can expect due to varying environmental conditions including wind and currents, vessel types, line arrangements etc.   The results of these analyses can be used to confirm the adequacy or determine repairs and upgrades on existing terminal structures or to design new structures.

• Fender Analysis

Fenders are used to provide protection of terminal structures from damage due to vessel impact.  OCC evaluates the terminal operations in order to determine the most suitable type of fender required capable of withstanding the anticipated vessel loads.  Additionally, OCC establishes the correct positioning and designs the connections of fenders to either existing or new structures.

• Modelling of Wave Attenuation Structures

OCC performs a wave study of the project site in order to determine the design criteria due to storm events.   The analysis simulates the anticipated wave refraction and reflection by bathymetry and the proposed wave attenuation structures as well as dissipation due to friction and breaking.  These storm wave forces along with subsurface soul conditions are used in conjunction with finite element modelling in order to correctly size these wave attenuation structures.