TEMCO Ship Loading Rain Shield
VAA was brought in to determine a viable solution to remedy a substantial ship loading disruption due to rainfall each year. We designed a cantilevered roof nearly 9/10 of an acre in size that could be supported by current dock structures.
Tacoma, WA
Challenge
Rainfall was causing TEMCO’s Port of Portland ship loading facility to be disrupted one month a year, crippling production. Options were limited because the area was extremely sensitive to environmental disruptions.
Solution
VAA analyzed the issue, determining a cantilevered roof over the ships could be constructed without the need for a new foundation. The slipform, reinforced silo structure and the heavily piled dock provided the residual carrying capacity to support a roof nearly 9/10 of an acre in size.
Results
- Designed nearly a 1-acre roof to withstand high wind, moderate seismic loads, and ice
- Analyzed site and strategically designed roof to avoid environmental disruption
- Innovated design proved vertical clearance between ship cranes and loading booms
- Developed 3D model to demonstrate roof from various vantage points
- Finished roof included tapered trusses and 150-ft cantilevers