Thermomechanical Behavior of an Anchored Quay Wall: Field Observations and Finite Element Analysis

Recent field measurements have revealed that the behavior of quay walls is influenced by air and seawater temperature variations. However, the underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently understood, and current geotechnical quay wall design practices typically neglect thermal effects. This study presents a thermomechanical finite element analysis of an anchored quay wall equipped with a relieving platform at the Port of Rotterdam, supported by several years of field monitoring. The structure consists of a steel combined wall and a reinforced concrete L-shaped front wall. Continuous measurements of wall displacements, anchor forces, and temperatures were compared with the outcome of a numerical finite element model. The study shows that the numerical model was able to reproduce seasonal variations in anchor force and lateral wall displacements induced by temperature changes, aligning well with field observations. Sensitivity analyses revealed that thermal effects amplify with increasing soil-retaining height because of the large exposure to seawater temperature fluctuations. Moreover, the thermal expansion coefficient of soil has a substantially stronger influence on anchor force variations than thermal conductivity. Climate change-related temperature increases further intensify these responses, indicating notable long-Term implications for quay wall performance. The findings provide insight into the observed thermomechanical behavior of the investigated quay wall and show that thermal loading can contribute to the wall response.