2.2.8 Vertical Loads. Vertical loads are those imposed by the 
weight of the structure (dead load) and by the weight of cranes, cargo, 
MHE and other equipment (live load). The uniform live load varies, but 
is usually assumed to be 1,000 1b/ft2 for container cargo facilities. 
Concentrated wheel loads should be designed in accordance with the 
American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) and Military 
Load Classifications (MLC) (Ref 6). Vehicle loads are listed below. 
Uniform live load generally governs pile sizing and wheel loads govern 
design of deck slab and beams. 
Vehicle Loads 
Wheeled Vehicles HS 20-44 (MLC 60) 
Forklifts 20 ton 
Straddle Carriers 30 ton 
Cranes 300-ton truck crane 
Tracked Vehicles MLC 70 
2.2.9 Temperature. The facility shall be able to endure a temper- 
ature range of -28 to 65 °C (-18 to 149 °F) under storage conditions. 
During operations, the facility shall be able to operate and provide 
cargo transfer in both polar and tropical temperature extremes. 
2.3 Pier Construction 
2.3.1 Materials of Construction. A major issue which needs to be 
resolved in pier construction is the choice of material of construction. 
Timber, steel and concrete are all materials that have a historical ba- 
sis in pier construction, however, timber has been eliminated because of 
its low load capacity. : 
a. Concrete - Reinforced concrete has reduced maintenance costs 
compared with steel and has the ability to support large loads. Concrete 
pilings are difficult to splice. On the other hand, prestressed pilings 
are now produced in long lengths, so splicing requirements would be re- 
duced. As an alternative, steel piling could be used with a concrete 
structure. Construction times may be greater with concrete structures. 
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