Title: Key vulnerability parameters for steel pipe pile-supported wharves considering the uncertainties in structural design

Authors: Jingsong Huang; Qing Ai

Addresses: School of Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China ' School of Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China

Abstract: Identifying the key vulnerability parameters (KVPs) of a structure is essential for vulnerability analysis. This study proposes a procedure for selecting the KVPs of steel pipe pile-supported wharves (SPPSWs). Initially, the engineering demand parameters (EDPs) investigated were the initial stiffness, horizontal displacement of the pile head, and displacement ductility coefficient, based on pushover analysis. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis, including both local and global sensitivity analyses, was conducted to evaluate the potential KVPs' effects on different EDPs, taking into account uncertainties in structural design and geotechnical parameters. Finally, three KVPs were selected based on the results of the top-ranked parameters: axial compression ratio, pile diameter, and free length of the landward pile. This study also indicates that the displacement ductility coefficient is the most suitable EDP for SPPSWs.

Keywords: pile-supported wharf; vulnerability analysis; engineering demand parameter; EDP; sensitivity analysis; displacement ductility coefficient.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOSM.2025.146803

International Journal of Ocean Systems Management, 2025 Vol.2 No.1, pp.35 - 51

Received: 18 Nov 2024
Accepted: 13 Jan 2025
Published online: 18 Jun 2025 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article