Dolphin Structures Health Monitoring: A Case Study in Hai Phong, Vietnam

Anh Dan, Nguyen; Thanh, Nguyen Viet

Journal of Materials and Engineering Structures
Volume 13, Numéro 2, Pages 241-251
2026-06-30

Dolphin Structures Health Monitoring: A Case Study In Hai Phong, Vietnam

Authors : Anh Dan Nguyen . Thanh Nguyen Viet .

Abstract

The safety and durability of port structures are essential for ensuring uninterrupted maritime operations, particularly for dolphins used in berthing and mooring. This paper focuses on assessing a deteriorated dolphin structure in Hai Phong province, Vietnam, aiming to evaluate its current technical condition and structural integrity. The study adopts a multi-stage methodology combining visual inspection, dynamic response measurement, and numerical analysis. Field surveys documented extensive cracking, spalling, and material degradation in the pile system and cap, indicating significant structural damage. Vibration monitoring was conducted using accelerometers to record dynamic responses under vessel impact, and the results were analyzed through frequency-domain techniques. A finite element model was developed to simulate structural behavior and to compare calculated natural frequencies with field measurements. The findings revealed a significant reduction in load-bearing capacity, classifying the dolphin as severely degraded under international standards. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating on-site inspection, vibration testing, and numerical modelling to provide a comprehensive evaluation framework for port structure health assessment.