For the construction of a container terminal (Deurganckdok) in the harbour of Antwerp in Belgium, an extensive soil investigation was performed: CPT, borings with continuous and discontinuous sampling, laboratory tests (triaxial, but also bender element tests). Out of the results of this investigation program, soil profiles with characteristic values of the soil properties were put forward. Design calculations of the massive quay wall were performed, using as well analytical as finite element methods. During construction a monitoring program, including inclimometers and extensometers was set up.

The paper focuses on the site characterisation and selection of soil properties as well as on the monitoring program. Furthermore predicted deformations and actual performance of the structure are compared.