Design of Container Yard at Port of Balboa

Abstract

This paper describes the design and construction processes associated with site improvement and the pavement system. Traffic demand on truck and passing lanes was evaluated based on estimated throughput including the effects of container type, size, block size and dwell time. The design followed the 1993 AASHTO Guidelines. Load equivalency factors were used to account for non-linearity of axle load effects from different yard equipment. Finite element modeling was used to determine shortterm load demands on pavement elements to account for complex loading conditions.