Failures of Wharves

Building wharves at the river and coastal plain river banks are one of the most risky engineering works in Sarawak. The soils are generally very soft and sensitive. The safety factors for the slope stability of river banks are generally about 1.0 to 1.3 and the erosion of the bank/bank toes are often continuing. By just driving the piles, the bank may start to move. By filling up the river bank will aggravate the situation.
  
Abandoned wharves are therefore often found along the river banks. Some failed during construction and some failed after using for less than twenty years. 

Most of the failures are due to river bank movements. Some due to mis-use and overloading.