Checking Wall Thickness on Underwater Structures

When it comes to underwater structures like sheet piles, quay walls, pipelines, foundation piles or steel elements used in construction, it’s often hard to judge their real condition just by looking at them. Corrosion, wear and loss of material usually happen below the waterline, where you don’t see it until the damage becomes serious.

A wall thickness measurement gives a clear and objective idea of how strong the structure still is. By checking the remaining steel thickness at different points, you get a realistic picture of the current condition and any areas that might be at risk.

For companies that aren’t sure about the state of their underwater structures, this is a quick and reliable way to get an initial assessment.

Where wall thickness measurements are useful

Our divers carry out thickness measurements on many types of underwater structures, including:

• Sheet piles and retaining walls - structures in the construction sector To detect corrosion, deformation or material loss before it becomes a problem.

• Quay walls and lock structures   Especially in areas exposed to strong currents, ship movements or tidal forces.

• Underwater parts of bridges and foundations   Such as steel piles, concrete structures with steel casings, or anchoring systems.

• Pipelines and industrial pipe systems   Both in ports and in inland waterways. (f.e. Port of Zeebrugge, Port of Antwerp, Port of Ghent, Port of Rotterdam, Port of Le Havre, ...)
  

By combining these measurements with a visual inspection, we can give a realistic overview of the remaining lifespan and if any repairs would be necessary. Would you like to have more information? Please do not hesitate to contact us:

Contact us!