Section 3102F defines minimum requirements for audit, inspection, and evaluation of the structural, mechanical and electrical components and systems.
The audit and inspections described in this Chapter (31F) are:
- Annual compliance inspection
- Audits
- Post-event inspection
Each has a distinct purpose and is conducted either at a defined interval (see Table 31F-2-1 and Section 3102F.3.3), for a significant change in operations, or as a result of a significant, potentially damage-causing event. In the time between audits and inspections, operators are expected to conduct periodic walk-down examinations of the MOT to detect potentially unsafe conditions.
For the purpose of assigning structural ratings and documenting the condition of mechanical and electrical systems, an MOT shall be divided into independent “berthing systems.” A berthing system consists of the wharf and supporting structure, mechanical and electrical components that serve the berth and pipeline systems.
For example, a MOT consisting of wharves with three berths adjacent to the shoreline could contain three independent “berthing systems” if the piping does not route through adjacent berths. Therefore, a significant defect that would restrict the operation of one berth would have no impact on the other two berths. Conversely, if a T-head Pier, with multiple berths sharing a trestle that supports all piping to the shoreline, had a significant deficiency on the common trestle, the operation of all berths could be adversely impacted. This configuration is classified as a single berthing system.
The physical boundaries of a berthing system may exclude unused sections of a structure. Excluded sections must be physically isolated from the berthing system. Expansion joints may provide this isolation.
All MOTs shall have records reflecting current, “as-built” conditions for all berthing systems. Records shall include, but not be limited to modifications and/or replacement of structural components, electrical or mechanical equipment or relevant operational changes, new construction including design drawings, calculations, engineering analyses, soil borings, equipment manuals, specifications, shop drawings, technical and maintenance manuals and documents.
Chronological records and reports of annual inspections, audits and post-event inspections and documentation of equipment or structural changes shall be maintained.
Records shall be indexed and be readily accessible to the Division (see 2 CCR Section 2320 (c) (2)) [2.1].
If “as-built” or subsequent modification drawings are not available, incomplete or inaccurate, a baseline inspection is required to gather data in sufficient detail for adequate evaluation.
The level of detail required shall be such that structural member sizes, connection and reinforcing details are documented, if required in the structural analysis. In addition, the strength and/or ductility characteristics of construction materials shall be determined, as appropriate. Nondestructive testing, partially destructive testing and/or laboratory testing methods may be used.
All fire, piping, mechanical and electrical systems shall be documented as to location, capacity, operating limits and physical conditions.
MAXIMUM INTERVAL BETWEEN UNDERWATER INSPECTIONS (YEARS)1
| INSPECTION CONDITION ASSESSMENT RATING (ICAR)6 | CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL | CHANNEL BOTTOM OR MUDLINE—SCOUR4 | ||||
| Unwrapped Timber or Unprotected Steel (no coating or cathodic protection)4 | Concrete, Wrapped Timber, Protected Steel or Composite Materials (FRP, plastic, etc.)4 | |||||
| Benign2 Environment | Aggressive3 Environment | Benign2 Environment | Aggressive3 Environment | Benign2 Environment | Aggressive3 Environment | |
| 6 (Good) | 6 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
| 5 (Satisfactory) | 6 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
| 4 (Fair) | 5 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| 3 (Poor) | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| 2 (Serious) | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 1 (Critical) | N/A5 | N/A5 | N/A5 | N/A5 | N/A5 | N/A5 |
- The maximum interval between Underwater Inspections shall be changed as appropriate, with the approval of the Division, based on the extent of deterioration observed on a structure, the rate of further anticipated deterioration or other factors.
- Benign environments include fresh water and maximum current velocities less than 1.5 knots for the majority of the days in a calendar year.
- Aggressive environments include brackish or salt water, polluted water, or waters with current velocities greater than 1.5 knots for the majority of the days in the calendar year.
- For most structures, two maximum intervals will be shown in this table, one for the assessment of construction material (timber, concrete, steel, etc.) and one for scour (last 2 columns). The shorter interval of the two should dictate the maximum interval used.
- MOTs rated “Critical” will not be operational; and Emergency Action shall be required in accordance with Table 31F-2-6.
- ICARs shall be assigned in accordance with Table 31F-2-4.
The Division may carry out annual inspections to determine the compliance status of the MOT with this code, based on the terminal’s audit and inspection findings and action plan implementation (see Section 3102F.3.9).
These inspections may include a visual and tactile assessment of structural, mechanical and electrical systems of the topside and underside areas of the dock, including the splash zone. Subject to operating procedures, a boat shall be provided to facilitate the inspection of the dock undersides and piles down to the splash zone.
The objective of the audit is to review structural, mechanical and electrical systems on a prescribed periodic basis to verify that each berthing system is fit for its specific defined purpose. The audit includes above water and underwater inspections, engineering evaluation, documentation and recommended follow-up actions.
The audit shall include above water and underwater inspections, and structural, electrical and mechanical systems evaluations, with supporting documentation, drawings and follow-up actions. Structural systems shall include seismic, operational, mooring, berthing and geotechnical considerations. Mechanical systems shall include fire, piping/pipelines and mechanical equipment considerations. The audit is performed by a multidisciplinary team of engineers, qualified inspectors and may include Division representatives.
The above water inspection involves an examination of all structural, mechanical and electrical components above the waterline. Structural defects and their severity shall be documented, but the exact size and location of each deficiency is typically not required.
The underwater inspection involves an examination of all structural, mechanical and electrical components below the waterline. A rational and representative underwater sampling of piles may be acceptable with Division approval, for cases of limited visibility, heavy marine growth, restricted inspection times because of environmental factors (currents, water temperatures, etc.) or a very large number of piles.
Global operational structural assessment rating(s) (OSAR), global seismic structural assessment rating(s) (SSAR) and global inspection condition assessment rating(s) (ICAR) shall be assigned to each structure and overall berthing system, where appropriate (Table 31F-2-4).
Remedial action priorities (RAP) shall be assigned for component deficiencies (Table 31F-2-5). Recommendations for remediation and/or upgrading shall be prescribed as necessary.
An audit is not considered complete until the audit report is received by the Division.
For a new MOT or new berthing system(s), the initial audit of the “as-built” systems(s) shall be performed prior to commencement of operations.
A subsequent audit of each terminal shall be completed concurrently with the inspections (see Section 3102F.3.5). The audit team leader shall recommend either: (1) a default subsequent audit interval of 4 years, or (2) an alternate interval, based on assessments of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems, and consideration of:
- The extent of the latest deterioration and/or disrepair,
- The rate of future anticipated deterioration and/or disrepair,
- The underwater inspection guidance provided in Table 31F-2-1, and
- Other specified factors.
Based on independent assessment of these factors, the Division may accept the audit team leader’s recommendation or require a different subsequent audit interval.
If there are no changes in the defined purpose (see Section 3102F.3.6.1) of the berthing system(s), relevant prior analyses may be referenced. However, if there is a significant change in the operations or condition of berthing system(s), a new analysis may be required.
The Division may require an audit, inspection or supplemental evaluations to justify changes in the use of the berthing system(s).
The audit shall be conducted by a multidisciplinary team under the direction of a project manager representing the MOT. The project manager shall have specific knowledge of the MOT and may serve other roles on the audit team.
The audit team leader shall lead the on-site audit team and shall be responsible for directing field activities, including the inspection of all structural, mechanical and electrical systems. The team leader shall be a California registered civil or structural engineer and may serve other roles on the audit team.
The structural inspection shall be conducted under the direction of a registered civil or structural engineer.
All members of the structural inspection team shall be graduates of a 4-year civil/structural engineering, or closely related (ocean/coastal) engineering curriculum, and shall have been certified as an Engineer-in-Training; or shall be technicians who have completed a course of study in structural inspections. The minimum acceptable course in structural inspections shall include 80 hours of instruction specifically related to structural inspection, followed by successful completion of a comprehensive examination. An example of an acceptable course is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges.” Certification as a Level IV Bridge Inspector by the National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) shall also be acceptable [2.2].
For underwater inspections, the registered civil or structural engineer directing the underwater structural inspection shall also be a commercially trained diver or equivalent and shall actively participate in the inspection, by personally conducting a minimum of 25 percent of the underwater examination [2.2].
Each underwater team member shall also be a commercially trained diver, or equivalent. Divers performing manual tasks such as cleaning or supporting the diving operation, but not conducting or reporting on inspections, may have lesser technical qualifications [2.2].
A California registered civil or structural engineer shall be in responsible charge of the structural evaluations.
A registered electrical engineer shall direct the on-site team performing the inspection and evaluation of electrical components and systems.
A registered engineer shall direct the on-site team performing the inspection and evaluation of piping/pipeline, mechanical and fire components and systems, except the Fire Protection Assessment in accordance with Section 3108F.2.2.
The corrosion specialist shall be a chemical engineer, corrosion engineer, chemist or other professional with expertise in the types and causes of corrosion, and available means to prevent, monitor and mitigate associated damage. The specialist shall perform the corrosion assessment (Section 3102F.3.6.5) and may be directly involved in corrosion inspection (Section 3102F.3.5.4).
A California registered civil engineer with a California authorization as a geotechnical engineer shall perform the geotechnical evaluation required for the audit and all other geotechnical evaluations.
The Division representative(s) may participate in any audit or inspection as observer(s). The Division shall be notified in advance of audit-related inspections.
The above water inspection shall include all accessible components above and below deck that are reachable without the need for excavation or extensive removal of materials that may impair visual inspection. The above water inspection shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Piles
- Pile caps
- Beams
- Deck soffit
- Bracing
- Retaining walls and bulkheads
- Connections
- Seawalls
- Slope protection
- Deck topsides and curbing
- Expansion joints
- Fender system components
- Dolphins and deadmen
- Mooring points and hardware
- Navigation aids
- Platforms, ladders, stairs, handrails and gangways
- Backfill (sinkholes/differential settlement)