Research, Articles & References
The Commission strives to provide the best achievable protection of public health and safety and the environment. As part of this commitment, the Commission has endorsed and continues to undertake research projects with industry-leading professionals, to improve the MOTEMS regulations. Examples are below:
- Effects of Nonlinearity in Primary System on Accelerations in Secondary Systems: Piers, Wharves, and Marine Oil Terminals (R. Goel, Ph.D., Report No. CP/SEAM-2017/02, June 22, 2017)
- Seismic Response of Coupled Primary-Secondary Systems in Piers, Wharves, and Marine Oil Terminals (R. Goel, Ph.D., Report No. CP/SEAM-2017/01, May 25, 2017)
- Engineering Standards Aid Spill Prevention at Marine Oil Terminals (A. Nafday, Pacific Maritime Article, April 2014)
- Evaluation of In-Ground Plastic-Hinge Length and Depth Recommendations for Piles in Marine Oil and LNG Terminals (R. Goel, Ph.D., Report No. CP/SEAM-2013/01, July 9, 2013)
- Simplified Procedure for Seismic Design of Piles with Partial-Moment-Connection to the Deck in Marine Oil Terminals (R. Goel, Ph.D., Journal of Structural Engineering, May 1, 2010)
- Numerical Modeling of Tsunami Effects at Marine Oil Terminals in San Francisco Bay (J. Borrero, L. Dengler, B. Uslu and C. Synolakis, June 8, 2006)
- Mooring Loads Due to Parallel Passing Ships (David Kriebel, Ph.D., September 30, 2005)
Other Applications
The MOTEMS are one of the only comprehensive engineering standards for marine structures in the industry. MOTEMS is thus frequently applied to marine and waterfront facilities worldwide, regardless of whether the facilities transfer oil, are located in California, or are within the Commission’s jurisdiction. Many standards, guidelines, and other applications also reference versions of MOTEMS in part or whole. Examples of such applications include:
- Sound Solution (J. Daley et. al, ASCE Civil Engineering Magazine, April 2017)
- PIANC MarCom Report 153 – Recommendations for the Design and Assessment of Marine Oil and Petrochemical Terminals (Reference: 201X MOTEMS)
- ASCE 61-14 – Seismic Design of Piers and Wharves (Reference: 2010 MOTEMS)
Case Studies
The dynamic terminal industry, harsh marine environment, and evolving petroleum engineering market make MOTEMS compliance an ongoing process. The following case studies provide a few examples of MOTEMS compliance projects:
- Avon Wharf Upgrade Project (Tesoro/Cherne, 2016/2017)
- Trestle Triumph (T. Trenkwalder et. al, ASCE Civil Engineers Magazine, July/August 2017)
- Chevron Richmond Long Wharf – A MOTEMS Journey (Karen Boven, Chevron, October 2014)
- Flexible Seismic Product Pipeline System (William Bruin, P.E., Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc., October 2014)
- IMTT Richmond Terminal: MOTEMS Wharf Modification Project; From Concept to Completion (John Barrella, International-Matex Tank Terminals, October 2014)
- Procurement & Design of Composite Fender Piles to Meet MOTEMS (Marc Percher, P.E., Moffatt & Nichol, October 2014)