OPAC Consulting Engineers

LAXT Coke Storage Domes


Los Angeles Export Terminal, San Pedro, California

Client:

Dome Systems, Inc.

Date:

Construction completed 1999

Scope of work:

Design and Contractor Support

Construction cost:

US$ 12,000,000

Services Performed:

  • Pre-bid engineering support
  • Final design
  • Seismic analysis

Issues:

  • Design and analysis of an airform reinforced concrete dome
  • Seismic analysis and design of a concrete shell with contained fill on a soft soil site
  • Close working relationship with design/ build contractor

Los Angeles Export Terminal, San Pedro, California, consists of two 75,000 ton capacity petroleum coke storage domes. Each dome is 240 feet in diameter and 130 feet high. The common reclaim tunnel beneath the domes is over 630 feet long and contains the loadout conveyor which transfers the petroleum coke from each of the storage domes to the ship loading system. Both dome foundations and the reclaim tunnel penetrate and are sealed to an existing dual layer membrane which maintains an environmental seal throughout the site. Reclaim from the storage domes is done using vibratory reclaim cones, which deposit the product onto the common reclaim conveyor under the domes. A common entry ramp between the domes allows for end loader and maintenance access. Personnel access to the top of the domes is via the fill conveyor system or the elevated ramp and escape stairs between the domes.