30 Apr 2025

Pier Analysis Tool: User’s Manual

Abstract: This report documents the development of a rapid structural load-capacity assessment capability for ship docking and offloading structures (i.e., piers) and automation of the assessment technique into a user-friendly personal computer–based tool referred to herein as the Pier Analysis Tool (PAT). This capability provides a quick first-cut assessment of the load-bearing capacity of pier structures in terms of maximum allowable ship mooring loads and allowable weights for typical commercial and military vehicles and equipment associated with military discharge operations. The report covers the technical basis for the structural analyses along with detailed computational examples. It also provides a detailed user guide for PAT.