Issue 78

S. Majer et alii, Fracture and Structural Integrity, 78 (2026) 504-518; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.78.29

Figure 8: Heavy-duty storage yard for offshore wind turbine nacelles (approximately 800 t) at the Vestas nacelle assembly plant.

E XPERIENCE FROM PORT PAVEMENT OPERATION AND DESIGN

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ong-term operational experience gained within the Ports of Szczecin and Ś winouj ś cie indicates that the selection of pavement type should be closely related to both operational loading conditions and the anticipated ground settlement behaviour. An example of a rigid pavement operating under challenging geotechnical conditions (Fig. 9) and subjected to intensive operational loading is the container terminal located at the Finnish Quay in Szczecin. The terminal is primarily operated by rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, reach stackers, and heavy transport vehicles. After approximately fifteen years of service, localized pavement deterioration was observed in the dowelled concrete pavement, particularly in areas adjacent to drainage structures and utility crossings (Fig. 10). These defects were mainly associated with differential settlements and the resulting concentration of stresses within the concrete pavement slabs.

Figure 9: Terminal pavement at the Finnish Quay.

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