South End Halifax Container Terminal

Location: Port of Halifax, Halifax, NS
Client: Halifax Port Authority
Timeframe: 2018 - 2020
Key Personnel: Todd Menzies, Riley Guest, Dani Stuart

Project Description

From 2018 to 2020, Harbourside provided geotechnical and site services to the Halifax Port Authority related to the construction of the Pier C Extension for the Port of Halifax’s South End Container Terminal in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The extension is approximately 57 m wide, projecting roughly 135 m south of the existing structure. The extension consists of concrete caissons forming the face of the pier, with infilling and stable slopes to the south and east. The pier includes a crane rail with a front track supported on the caissons and the rear track supported by piles.

Harbourside’s Role

The purpose of the geotechnical investigation was to assess the subsurface soil and bedrock conditions at the site and to provide geotechnical recommendations to aid with the design and construction of the extension.

Scope of Work

The scope of work completed for the investigation included:

A geotechnical field investigation consisting of 10 boreholes and 10 dynamic cone penetration tests,
A laboratory testing program including water content tests, grain size analyses, Atterberg limit tests, and consolidation tests on soil and unconfined compressive strength testing of core of bedrock,
An environmental sampling program, and
Preparation of a geotechnical report presenting the findings of the investigation and providing recommendations for design and construction including those related to:
- Dredging (temporary slopes, material removal requirements),
- Concrete caisson (site preparation, mattress construction, bearing resistance, settlement estimate),
- Material specifications for caisson fill and backfill,
- Settlement estimates for the backup lands, and
- Pile design to support the rear crane rail.
- Foundation design for buildings

A large claw assists in the dredging process at the Pier C container Terminal in South End Halifax. The container yard can be seen in the background, as dredged materials are dumped into containers at water level.

Site services

During construction, Harbourside provided site services and construction support, including:

Inspection of dredging and fill placement, including compaction testing of base and subbase materials.
Concrete field and laboratory testing.
Field testing of asphalt including new paving for the extension, and annual repair programs.
Footing Inspections.
Noise monitoring, and
Turbidity testing.

Unique Challenges

Once concrete pouring began, work had to continue non-stop over the course of 24 hours. This laborious process was to ensure that there were no cold joints in specific areas of the caisson. Pouring had to be closely monitored and continue uninterrupted to guarantee strength and durability of the structure. Unsurprisingly, work of this nature is tiring, and requires a high-degree of focus. An all-hands-on-deck approach kept both engineers and construction crew fresh and on task.

Social Impact

As a major port, the expansion of Pier C is of huge economic benefit to Halifax and the surrounding region. Being one of the fastest growing cities in Atlantic Canada, increased capacity for trade of commercial goods will allow this trend to continue. This expansion will help create new jobs and provide further opportunity for growth throughout the Maritimes.

Pier C Terminal Expansion