Fixed dolphins with raked piles

Fixed dolphins equipped with raked piles are often applied as breasting and mooring points for marine structures. The dimensions can be scaled to suit a large range of vessels. Lateral berthing and mooring loads are transferred to the soil by axial compression and tension in the raked piles. Thus, fixed dolphins equipped with raked piles show minor displacements under heavy loading and additional fenders are required to absorb the energy of berthing operations.

In some cases, fixed raked dolphin piles are economically more attractive than flexible dolphin piles. Raked piles are usually applicable for a wide range of soil types. There has to be sufficient mobilization of shaft friction for axial tension and compression load transfers into the subsoil. Another advantage of this type of dolphin is the use of relatively light equipment for installation, as the dolphin consists of numerous smaller elements (smaller piles/concrete cap). This will not, however, be beneficial with regard to the length of the construction period.