The paper presents the methodology and results derived from testing the harbour loading capacity. A numerical model for the system incorporating the head beams, RC slabs, piles and soil was formulated. Presumptions were made concerning the stiffness characteristics of the RC slabs, piles and foundation soil, and the rotations of the head beams and RC slabs were calculated for the given loadings. Clinometer carriers that permitted measuring of the rotation angles of the RC slab for the previously defined loading scheme were placed on the RC slab of the harbour structure along the previously defined line. The calculated and measured rotations were compared for various loading schemes. A numerical back-analysis was conducted in order to determine actual stiffness characteristics of the system. The loading was numerically simulated until achieving breakage of the foundation soil under the piles and reaching the load-bearing capacity of the RC harbour structure.
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