Professional Documents
Culture Documents
November 2015
Levuka Wharf - Condition Assessment and Repair Options
Executive Summary
Introduction
Levuka Wharf located in Levuka on Ovalau Island, Fiji is in a poor state of repair suffering from widespread
concrete deterioration. Erasito Beca Consultants Ltd (Erasito Beca) were commissioned by Fiji Ports
Corporation Ltd (FPCL) to undertake a visual inspection, condition assessment and review repair options for
the wharf.
The wharf is currently being infrequently used by small fishing vessels, a local tanker, occasional cruise
ships and similar craft.
The wharf has an L-shape layout and comprises a 50m long by 13m wide access bridge to a 190m long by
12m wide berthing section. The access bridge and approximately the first 75m of the berthing section were
replaced in the 1970s (“the replaced portion”). The remaining part of the wharf was constructed circa 1920s
(“the original portion”).
The widespread concrete deterioration is of a significant safety concern and we recommend that the below
actions are implemented immediately (for more details refer Section 6, Immediate Recommendations):
The original portion should be closed to all vehicles and pedestrians. This is because 40% of the deck
underside was identified as failed/ no longer functional with almost complete loss of reinforcing steel.
The replaced portion could possibly be accessed by light vehicles (3 tonne max), however localised areas
will need to be fully closed due to complete loss of reinforcing steel (refer Figure 2, Section 6).
Repair Options
Original Portion
The most effective repair option is likely to be full replacement as the majority of the elements are in a
condition that is deemed to be beyond economical repair (40% of the deck underside was identified as failed/
no longer functional with almost complete loss of reinforcing steel). Alternatively, the original portion could be
abandoned or demolished if it is no longer required.
2
We estimate the replacement cost to be in the order of $10M ($6-9,000/m ).
Levuka Wharf - Condition Assessment and Repair Options
Replaced Portion
With respect to the replaced portion, a number of repair options can be considered including:
Key details of individual repairs options are presented in the table below.
Time to First
Whole Life Major Extent of Structural
Option / Item Initial Cost
Cost Maintenance Maintenance Performance
[years]
Option 1 – Limited
conventional $1.5-2M Very High 5 Very High Limited
repairs
Partially meets the
Option 2 –
$5M High 10 – 15 High current
Extensive repairs
requirements
Option 3 – 10 - 15
Medium Partially meets the
Full/partial deck $8M Medium substructure current
replacement 50 deck requirements
Option 4 – New
Meets the current
wharf on same or $8.0-12M Low 50 - 100 Very Low
requirements
different alignment
Numerous aspects such as the future use of the wharf, required service life, and available funding are critical
to deciding which option is most suitable including determining the extent of the wharf to be repaired. FPCL
may want to undertake a study to understand these aspects (Erasito Beca would be pleased to assist with
this).
To further progress this repair option study we would recommend that FPCL:
The above executive summary is a précis of the investigation and assessment undertaken. Therefore further
explanation and/ or clarification including limitations of the assessment can be found in the main body of the
report.
Levuka Wharf - Condition Assessment and Repair Options
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Site Description 2
3 Assumptions & Limitations 3
4 Methodology 4
5 Condition Assessment 5
5.1 Original Portion 5
5.2 Replaced Portion 7
5.3 Underwater Inspection of Piles 9
6 Immediate Recommendations 10
6.1 Original Portion 10
6.2 Replaced Portion 10
7 Repair Options 11
7.1 Original Portion 11
7.2 Replaced Portion 11
7.3 Decision Matrix 13
8 Discussion 14
Appendices
Appendix A
Drawings
Appendix B
Photos
Appendix C
Underwater Condition Assessment Photos
Levuka Wharf - Condition Assessment and Repair Options
1 Introduction
Erasito Beca Consultants Ltd (Erasito Beca) were commissioned by Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd (FPCL) to
undertake a condition assessment of and review options for repairs for Levuka Wharf located in Levuka on
Ovalau Island, Fiji. This work was carried out in accordance with the agreement for the provision of
consulting services Levuka Wharf Structural Assessment, July 2015.
The intent is to ascertain the current condition of the wharf and recommend remedial options that could be
implemented as necessary for the wharf to remain functional subject to funding availability and the future use
of the wharf. The findings of the condition assessment are summarised below and in the enclosed
appendices.
2 Site Description
Levuka Wharf is situated on the island of Ovalau on the south side of Levuka Town, earlier the capital of Fiji.
The wharf is the main sea transportation hub for the island, thus is essential for its economy. It provides a
berthing facility for fishing vessels discharging their fish catch to a cannery managed by the Pacific Fishing
Company Ltd (PAFCO) directly south of the wharf as well as other vessel access including ferries, tankers,
and occasional cruise ships. Being one of the primary access point to the island, the wharf is likely also a
critical transportation structure for responses to natural disaster events.
The wharf has an L-shape layout and comprises a 50m long by 13m wide access bridge to a 190m long by
12m wide berthing section (refer to Figure 1 below). The access bridge and the first approximately 75m of
the berthing section were replaced in the 1970s and opened in 1980 (“the replaced portion”). The remaining
part of the wharf was constructed circa 1920s (possibly as early as 1896, (“the original portion”).
The original structure comprises a conventional beam-and-slab deck braced directly under the deck and
supported on concrete piles. The replaced portion is formed by precast, prestressed beams with an insitu
mesh reinforced concrete topping supported on driven concrete piles and crosshead beams.
In advance of our site inspection, Erasito Beca requested that FPCL clean the barnacles off a sample of
the piles and cross braces from both the structures to allow for a more comprehensive and accurate
assessment of the current condition. However, upon arrival to site there was no evidence that this had
been done. The condition of such elements is therefore a best estimate.
Access to the original portion was limited due to the nature of the structure (lattice frame) therefore, the
condition of one face of some of the elements had to be assumed.
Due to the relatively high nature of this assessment in accordance with the agreement for the provision of
the services, a representative sample of the elements of the replaced and original wharves were
assessed in detail from the underside.
Experience indicates that on closer inspection of wharf elements during repair work (i.e. from stable
scaffolding and after cleaning), the elements are often found to be in a worse condition than assessed
from a distance and the extent of repair/deterioration tends to increase.
Some elements had been repaired previously, in some cases the repairs had started to deteriorate
showing the true condition of the element. In other cases, the repair appeared to be in a good condition
when this may not have been the case.
A small wharf on the northern edge of the replaced portion (~1m below) was not assessed as part of this
condition assessment as it was not part of the commission. However, this small wharf appeared to be
supported off the replaced portion and appeared to be in a similar condition to the replaced portion (i.e.
very poor and deteriorating).
4 Methodology
st
A visual inspection for the purposes of the condition assessment was undertaken over a two day period (1
nd
September, 2015 to 2 September, 2015) and included an underwater diving visual inspection of the piles.
The first day was to assess the replaced portion from the top and from the underside using a small boat. On
the second day, the original portion was assessed from the top and from the underside as well. The
assessments undertaken from a boat were always done at low tide to allow access under the wharf and so
that more of the elements can be readily assessed. An underwater water condition assessment of the piles
was also undertaken.
The below sea level parts of the piles were inspected by snorkelling and SCUBA diving. Initially, all of the
piles were inspected by snorkelling at the surface – with reasonable visibility to a depth of about 4m – to
assess the extent of deterioration and determine an appropriate regime for a more detailed inspection of
selected piles. Following the snorkelling inspection, the diving inspection was undertaken. On the second
day, Erasito Beca carried out a bathymetrical survey of the seabed surrounding the wharf and surveyed the
wharf. The surveys are an additional service which was carried out on the initiative of Erasito Beca staff. For
outputs of these surveys, refer Appendix C.
The dimensions of some of the structural members were confirmed or noted on site. In some cases, these
are only estimates as the element was covered in barnacles or there was limited access (i.e. to the
underside of the deck during low tide). The dimensions of the elements of the original portion can be found in
Appendix A (note, the original drawings of the replaced portion are also available).
A condition rating system was developed and used for the purposes of this condition assessment and is
described below in Table 1.
A (Good) No visible damage or deterioration considering the age of the structure or minor
No repairs required, some damage with some minor cracking visible. Possible corrosion stains on some
recommended concrete surfaces. Minor spalling (mainly due to wear and tear) with no reinforcement
visible.
B (Average) Moderate spalling (10-30% of surface), reinforcement exposed, with limited corrosion
Minor/moderate repairs required up to 10% loss of steel reinforcement area. Large cracks identified.
C (Poor) Extensive spalling (30-60% of surface, reinforcement exposed and actively corroding.
Significant repairs required Up to 50% loss of steel reinforcement area. Localised bars fully corroded.
D (Failed/no longer functional) Element effectively failed. Almost complete loss of section (concrete and steel). No
Replacement required longer functional.
Note: the above rating system was tailored considering the age and general condition of the Levuka Wharf
structure.
Due to the nature of the original wharf structure (lattice frame) the underside was assessed by walking on the
lower horizontal framing members. Therefore, the underside was assessed only from the landward side
along Grid B (refer to drawings in Appendix A) as the transverse and longitudinal cross bracing obstructed
further assessment. For some elements, only one face could be assessed and the condition of the other face
was assumed to be similar to the first.
5 Condition Assessment
A drawing detailing the findings of the assessment can be found in Appendix A. A selection of photos
generally showing each level of deterioration described in Table 1 for the majority of the structural elements
can be found in Appendix B.
The structure that is submerged and in the lower tidal zone is in good condition (A).
The structure in the mid-to-high tidal zone is in average condition (B).
The structure above the high tide mark (spray/splash zone), i.e. deck, beams and bracing is in poor or
failed condition (C/D). We note that the significant deterioration observed is systematic and widespread
rather than localised when compared to the replaced portion.
The findings of the condition assessment for the original portion are summarised in detail in Table 2 (next
page).
Piles/Columns Generally in a good condition with only minor to moderate cracking A/B – ~90%
and corrosion stains observed. However, there were some areas C – ~5%
where the piles were in a poor condition (if not failed) and no longer
functional (specifically at the intersection with the lower D – ~5%
transverse/longitudinal horizontal beams, approximately 10 piles
total).
Lower transverse Generally in a good condition with no major deterioration identified. A – ~95%
and longitudinal There were a handful of localised areas that were in a poor C – ~5%
horizontal beams condition at the intersection with the piles/columns.
Note: B rating could not be given due to barnacles.
Longitudinal cross Generally in average condition, with some spalling and corrosion of B – ~60%
bracing (odd grids reinforcement typically at the top intersection with the piles/columns. C – ~30
only, 3 grids) However, a number of members on the seaward side have failed
and are no longer functional (complete loss of concrete and steel D – ~10%
reinforcement cross sections).
Horizontal cross Generally in a good condition. Some are in average condition with A – ~90%
bracing (between some large cracks/spalling and corrosion staining. It appears that B – ~10%
all grids, 4 total none were in a poor condition or failed/no longer functional.
per bay)
Upper transverse Generally in a poor condition or no longer functional. Extensive A – ~20%
and longitudinal severe spalling observed and severe to complete loss of B – ~20%
horizontal beams reinforcement cross sectional area in many locations. A number of
repaired areas were identified, some of which appear to still be C – ~30%
sound while the rest are failing and deteriorating again. However, D – ~30%
there is no pattern to the deterioration as some members appeared
to be in an average and even good condition.
Deck underside Generally in a poor condition or no longer functional. In many areas A – ~5%
the bottom cover has completely spalled off exposing the B – ~10%
reinforcement which in most locations has fully corroded. Numerous
patch repairs were identified though these are likely to be just C – ~40%
concealing the true extent of the deterioration. However, a few D – ~40%
areas, typically on the landward side, appeared to be in a
good/average condition.
Deck from above Considering the age of the structure, the deck appeared to be in a A – ~95%
good condition from above. Approximately, the full length of the B – ~5%
seaward edge was in an average condition due to berthing vessels
with minor but extensive spalling with some reinforcement exposed. C/D – <1%
There was one area of complete failure of the deck (at an apparent Note – these ratings are
movement joint near the centre of the structure); this highlights the misleading, refer to “deck
true condition of the deck as there was no reinforcement in that area underside” for true condition
(likely fully corroded).
A drawing detailing the findings of the assessment can be found in Appendix A. A selection of photos
generally showing each level of deterioration described in Table 1 for the majority of the structural elements
can be found in Appendix B.
The findings of the condition assessment for the replaced portion are summarised in detail in Table 3 (next
page).
As shown in Figures 1 and 2 of Appendix C, in the intertidal zone, most of the piles are encrusted in
barnacles but below this, marine growth is relatively light with algae to a thickness of about 3mm, occasional
clams and hard coral are present. The amount of marine growth on the piles reduces towards the seabed.
From this initial inspection, it was apparent that generally none of the piles had reinforcement corrosion
and/or concrete spalling issues.
A pass through the entire structure at a level lower than snorkelling to check for obvious signs of
reinforcement corrosion and/or concrete spalling (Figures 3 and 4, Appendix C). None was found
Photographs and close up inspection of random selected piles (Figures 5 and 6, Appendix C)
Removal of a section of marine growth from a pile to demonstrate sound concrete (Figures 7 and 8,
Appendix C)
Cracks at the base of some of the piles at the seaward side of the replaced wharf (Figures 9 and 10,
Appendix C). This is thought to be a result of a vessel hitting the wharf deck.
Construction joints in some of the piles (Figure 11, Appendix C). No deterioration was observed at these
joints. Occasional sleeves were also seen.
A large sacrificial anode (Figures 12 and 13, Appendix C) near the landward end of the replaced portion,
probably zinc and connected to a cathodic protection system was found. The anode is totally encrusted in
marine growth, so it is probably ineffective.
Debris, comprising original structure rubble (below the replaced wharf), tire fenders and general rubbish
from vessels (Figures 14 and 15, Appendix C).
A broken pile is located at the seaward side of the original portion (Figure 16, Appendix C), refer to
drawings in Appendix A also.
6 Immediate Recommendations
While undertaking the condition assessment, Erasito Beca noted a number of significant safety concerns and
structural vulnerabilities as noted below:
If for FPCL operational purposes, full closure of the wharf is deemed to be impractical, limited access could
be provided to FPCL staff who are adequately briefed on the condition of the wharf and aware of associated
risks (pedestrian access only). Should the wharf need to be used we would recommend quarterly (or similar
frequency) inspections are undertaken to identify areas that deteriorated beyond even pedestrian use.
In addition, spalling of the underside of the wharf deck (mainly the original portion, but the replaced portion
as well) and impact damage to the seaward edge of the replaced wharf creates a hazard for anyone in the
sea below the wharf. Some of the spalling pieces are quite large, therefore they pose a health and safety risk
as they could potentially fall onto people below the wharf. We would recommend that adequate signage is
erected to inform users of the wharf of these hazards and risks.
7 Repair Options
It is clear from the condition assessment that both the replaced and original sections of the wharf are in a
poor state of repair. Repair options for both the replaced and original portion have been presented
separately below. Please note that if no repairs are undertaken at present, the condition of the wharf will
continue to deteriorate and the rate of deterioration will be of an escalating nature.
Assuming that a like for like replacement is adopted, we estimate the cost to be in the order of $10M. This is
2 2
based on a total area of 1200m and a rate of $6-9,000/m .
The repairs will focus on the areas that are the most straightforward to repair and/or would yield the most
benefit (i.e. would result in a large area that provides adequate serviceability). Option 1 would provide limited
improvement to the durability of the wharf.
The first major maintenance will be required in approximately 5 years and would be expected to require
similar expenditure as the initial repairs ($1.5-2M). The structural performance of the wharf will slightly
improve.
Again, this option could focus on certain areas that can be connected together to form a safe and structurally
adequate access route for users. The option would provide improved durability as some elements are
replaced rather than retaining the deteriorating materials.
The first major maintenance will be required in approximately 10 - 15 years as some elements will not be
repaired and will continue to deteriorate. The structural performance of the wharf will improve, especially for
dead and traffic loads on the wharf itself (not lateral loads).
7.2.3 Option 3 – Partial or Full Deck Replacement (Including Crosshead and Edge Beams)
This option will include aspects of Options 1 and 2 where necessary but will focus on a partial or full
replacement of the precast deck units and the crosshead and edge beams that are in the worst condition.
Different methods of repair could be adopted especially for the deck as the original could be retained and
used as formwork to pour a new reinforced concrete deck on top including some starter bars drilled into the
existing structure (note – the existing deck will continue deteriorating and spalling posing a health and safety
risk). Alternatively, the deck units could be removed and replaced completely (temporary supports etc. will be
required). The crosshead and edge beams would be replaced in a similar manner to Option 2.
As with Options 1 and 2, the remedial works could focus on certain areas only that would be of more benefit
to FPCL. The durability and structural performance would be significantly improved with this option
particularly for the new deck.
The first major maintenance of the piles and other parts of substructure will required at approximately 10 - 15
years. The new deck would be designed to require no or minimal maintenance over its design life of likely 50
years.
2 2
Assuming a rate of $5-6,000/m for the repairs and full area of the replaced portion (~1450m ), the expected
cost for this option is in the order of $8M.
The durability, future maintenance and structural performance would be improved to today’s standards and
the structure would have a design life of 100 years. Therefore, the whole of life cost would be less than
Options 1-3. The cost for this option would vary depending on the current and future requirements for FPCL.
2
Assuming a rate of $6-9,000/m to construct a new wharf of equivalent size to the replaced portion, it would
2
be in the order of $12M. However, if a smaller wharf with an area of 1000m (e.g. 50x7 access bridge plus a
15x40 berthing section) is adequate, construction of a new wharf of this size would be in the order of $8M.
The matrix does not give ranking for individual options, because at this stage there are many unknowns that
will need to be holistically considered including future operational requirements, availability of funding,
heritage aspects, etc. prior to the decision matrix being further developed.
Time to First
Whole Life Major Extent of Structural
Option / Item Initial Cost
Cost Maintenance Maintenance Performance
[years]
Option 1 – Limited
conventional $1.5-2M Very High 5 Very High Limited
repairs
Partially meets
Option 2 –
$5M High 10 – 15 High the current
Extensive repairs
requirements
Option 3 – 10 - 15
Medium Partially meets
Full/partial deck $8M Medium substructure the current
replacement 50 deck requirements
Option 4 – New
Meets the current
wharf on same or $8.0-12M Low 50 - 100 Very Low
requirements
different alignment
8 Discussion
As stated previously, the future use of the wharf, required service life and available funding is critical to
deciding which option is most suitable including determining the extent of the wharf to be repaired. It is
recommended that FPCL undertake a study to understand the current and future use of the wharf (Erasito
Beca would be pleased to assist with this). This study should consider the requirements of various
stakeholders such as FRA and shipping operators.
Currently, it appears that PAFCO fishing vessels use the wharf to unload their catch on rare occasions.
PAFCO also berth vessels at the wharf during downtime and turnaround time. Typically, 2-3 small passenger
cruise ships berth at the wharf per year however, to date, it appears that none have visited Levuka in 2015.
The wharf is frequently used by small private boats and yachts for mooring purposes, however, typically the
small lower wharf to the north is used as it allows for easier embarking and disembarking. These activities
are limited and infrequent suggesting that the wharf receives little use at present and it may be appropriate to
just repair a small section of the wharf to suit usage and demolish the rest of the wharf.
To further progress this repair option study we would recommend that FPCL:
Appendix A
Drawings
Nacilau Pt
Waya
Viti Levu
Nananu-i-cake
Ve Drala Reef
Namara
Kuata Vatia Vatia Lailai
Togowere
Makodraga
Tavua
Makogai
Navadra Rabulu Nasau
Kadomo Sorokoba
Nacilau Pt
Vomo Nailaga
Ba Vatukoula
Namarai
Nayavutoka
Nadarivatu
Yanuya Tokoriki
Monu Vitogo Navai Victoria Naigani
e
ng
Tavua Lautoka Batimadrai Point
Dawasamu
Ra
Toge Cape Horn
s
Matamanoa
an
Tai Navala Lewa Rukuruku
Tailevu
Mamanuca
Ev
Koroyanitu
Mana Kadavu
Vuda Pt
Viseisei Munt Lawaki Ovalau
Lomolomo Ba Levuka
Rairaim u
Navini Nadrau
Qalito Nasaga
Group Nadele
Platea
Lodoni Tokou
Vaturu
atuku
Denarau Namaka Nanoko Monasau
Ro Island Bukuya
Ro Nausori
Re Selea
ef NADI Namulomulo Tailevu Ucunivanua
Nausori Nadrau Plateau
Korovou
Korovuto Highlands Korolevu
Koroba Keiyasi Monavatu Naimasimasi
Viria
Naralyawa
Momi
Tuvu Baulevu Bau
Vunamoa Kasavu Lasakau
Draubuta
Tau Kaba Pt
Wainawaqa Sawani Cautata Dromuna
Narewa Nausori
Namosi
Nasirotu
Tuvutau
Nuku Tamavua Lokia Nasilai
Tilialevu
Namuamua Rewa
Kalokolevu
Nabukelevu Nasilai
Sigatoka SUVA
Cuvu Reef
Laselase Suva Pt
Mau
Vatukarasa Pacific
Harbour Navua
Korolevu Korovisilou
Galoa Naitontoni
Tamavua
Waisomo
Yanuca Beqa
Dakuibeqa
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51
D
8
C
7
B
6
A
5
4
3
2
1
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51
9
D
8
C
7
B
6
A
5
4
3
2
1
Appendix B
Photos
Replaced Portion– Pile cap – Condition B Replaced Portion– Pile cap – Condition C
Replaced Portion– Edge beam – Impact Damage – Replaced Portion– precast deck units –
Condition D Condition A
Replaced Portion– precast deck units – Condition B Replaced Portion– precast deck units – Condition C
Replaced Portion– Precast deck units – Condition D Replaced Portion– Insitu deck – Condition A (B Patches)
Original Portion– Pile to beam joint – Condition D Original Portion – Lower Trans. & Long. beam – Condition
A
Original Portion– Lower Trans. & Long. beam – Condition Original Portion– Longitudinal bracing – Condition C
C/D
Original Portion– Longitudinal bracing – Condition D Original Portion– Horizontal bracing – Condition B
Original Portion– Upper Trans. & Long. beam – Condition Original Portion– Upper Trans. & Long. beam – Condition
A B
Original Portion– Upper Trans. & Long. beam – Condition Original Portion– Deck underside – Condition A
D
Original Portion– Deck underside – Condition C Original Portion– Deck underside – Condition D
Original Portion– Top of Deck – Condition A (large crack Original Portion– Typical damaged/missing kerb/upstand
along centre) on landward side
Appendix C
Underwater Condition
Assessment Photos
Figure 1 – Comparison of marine growth – Barnacles in Figure 2 – Comparison of marine growth – Algae, small
the intertidal zone coral and clams below low tide level
Figure 3 – General view of below water section of the piles Figure 4 – General view of below water section of the piles
Figure 5 – Typical pile upper section Figure 6 – Typical pile base section
Figure 7 – Removal of section of marine growth to Figure 8 – Removal of section of marine growth to
demonstrate sound concrete demonstrate sound concrete
Figure 9 – Cracks at the base of some piles Figure 10 – Cracks at the base of some piles