Of all the obstacles in the construction of the Panama Canal over a 100 years ago, it was the complex, varied geology that possibly provided the biggest challenge, being the primary cause for the failure of the French Canal Company to construct the channel. When planning a new construction project involving removal of more than 4m m3 of material for expansion of PSA's container terminal at the Pacific Entrance of the Canal, obtaining information and how to structure the project was of prime importance.
In this paper the authors will explain the development of the project through the various stages, from concept design to successful execution, showing how knowledge and understanding of the site developed and how this changing information was used in the design, tendering and wording of the construction contract.
The solution adopted by the contractor, using a combination of dry excavation, together with back hoe, trailer and cutter-suction dredgers, was developed based on detailed experience gained from working in similar conditions nearby in Panama, and also taking into account the construction of 800m of new quay deck suitable for Post-Panamax vessels.