RESEARCH ON THE STRUCTURES OF THE QUAYS AT THE MARVELĖ INLAND PORT

Abstract

The Marvelė port pier in Kaunas on the Nemunas River, built in 2015 as part of an EU project, is a 120-meter-long, thin-walled, reinforced concrete “bolverk” type pier with a monolithic superstructure and reinforced concrete slabs. After approximately 10 years of operation in the aggressive river environment (freeze-thaw cycles, water filtration, soil settlement, mechanical loads), damage has appeared in the structures, posing a risk to stability and durability.

The objective of the study is to assess the technical condition of the wharf in four main areas (cordon line, monolithic abutments, cargo yard, slope reinforcement slabs), determine the causes and extent of defects, and propose repair solutions.

Methods used: visual inspections, non-destructive concrete strength measurements using a Schmidt hammer in accordance with LST EN 12504-2:2021, geodetic displacement measurements, structural analysis using the GEO5 Sheeting Design software (based on Blum’s theory and the limit equilibrium method).

Findings: reinforcement corrosion, cracks >0.3 mm, concrete spalling, displacements and voids in slope panels; concrete strength in the cordon zone and at supports 12–34.5 MPa (lower than design value), in the loading area avg. ~39 MPa; horizontal displacements exceed permissible limits. Recommended repair solutions: crack injection, polymer waterproofing coatings, drainage improvement, anti-corrosion protection of reinforcement. The results are important for ensuring the safe operation of the pier and contributing to the development of cargo shipping on the Nemunas River in accordance with the VVKD 2025–2028 plans.