TM 5-850-1
CHAPTER 6
PIER AND WHARF LAYOUT
6-1.
Introduction.
(2) Multiple-length berths.
Dock length should
a. Definition.
equal the total overall length of the largest vessels
(1) Pier. A pier is a structure extending
simultaneously accommodated, plus allowances of 75
feet between the inshore end of inboard vessels and the
outward at an angle from the shore into navigable
bulkhead and 75 feet between the outboard end of
waters and normally permitting the berthing of vessels
outboard vessels and the end of the pier. Allow about
on both sides along its entire length.
(2) Wharf. A wharf is a structure extending
50 feet between vessels. For preliminary design, pier
lengths should be approximately (n) times the berth
parallel with the shoreline, connecting to the shore at
length given in paragraph 6-2b (1) (where n = number of
more than one point (usually with a continuous
vessels of a given type berthed end to end at a single
connection), and providing, in most cases, berthing at
pier face).
the outshore face of the structure only.
c. Pier width.
b. Functional requirements. Piers and wharves
(1) Berth in outboard face. Outboard face
provide a transfer point for cargoes and passengers
berth widths should be adequate for vessel
between land and water transportation carriers. The
accommodation.
The width requirements may be
pier/wharf complex may provide the following facilities:
obtained from the pier lengths given in paragraph 6-2b.
(2) Berths only alongside pier. The total
(1) Berth capacities of sufficient depths and
width should be the sum of the width requirements for
widths to allow safe vessel approach and departure.
the pier shed, aprons, and lanes for railroad, trucks, and
(2) Sufficient mooring devices to safely
crane service. In no case should the width be less than
secure vessel.
that required for lateral stability. The minimum pier
(3) Access for railroad and highway facilities.
width should be 25 feet clear between curbs. Where
(4) Storage space for open or covered
railroad tracks, truck lanes, or craneways are to be
cargoes.
installed, the following width requirements should be
(5) Cargo handling equipment.
followed:
(6) Fender system.
(a) Railroad tracks. Except where local
(7) Administrative and maintenance facilities.
conditions require otherwise, standard gage should be
(8) Fire
protection
and
fire
fighting
used for trackage.
equipment.
(b) Truck lanes. A minimum of 15 feet
6-2.
Deck structures.
should be provided.
a. Pier or wharf arrangement. The arrangement of
(c) Craneways.
Width requirements
depend on equipment selected for pier service.
berths should fit the proposed site without encroaching
d. Wharf width.
There are no definite width
on pierhead or bulkhead lines, with consideration given
requirements, but sufficient area should be provided for
to the depth contour below which the driving of piles is
storage and for truck and rail access. An apron should
impractical. The types of pier and wharf layouts are
be provided along the outboard face. For general cargo
shown in figure 6-1.
b. Pier and wharf length. Pier and wharf lengths
wharves, the required width for aprons, shed, and
upland facilities should be about 300 feet. The width
should be as follows:
(1) Single-length berth. Dock length should
may be increased for container wharves.
e. Slip width. Clear distances between piers will
equal the overall length of the largest vessel to be
be adequate for the safe berthing of the required
accommodated, plus an allowance of 75 feet at each
maximum size vessels, plus clearances for the safe
end of the vessel. For preliminary design, the following
working of tugs and barges, lighters, and cranes
approximate pier lengths may be used:
operating between vessels. Where multiple berthing is
Vessel type
Pier length, ft
provided, clearances shall be sufficient for dispatching
Lighters
150
the vessel at the inboard berth without moving the
Submarines and destroyers
450
vessel at the outboard berth. The width should not be
General cargo ships
600
less than 3 to
750
Container ships
1,000
6-1
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