CIRIAs Accelerated Low Water Corrosion solution
A new form of aggressive, localised corrosion has occurred on unprotected steel marine structures over the past 20 years or so. It affects structures at or around the low water level and is called accelerated low water corrosion (ALWC), lowest astronomical tide corrosion (LAT) or concentrated corrosion.
If left untreated, it causes premature perforation of the steel resulting in unexpected and often expensive remedial works and has the potential to cause catastrophic failure of quays and other structures.
Engineers, port owners, operators and designers required to develop remedial methods for ALWC often find themselves in isolation, since there are no independent guidelines available on how to manage this problem.
CIRIA’s new project, Management of Accelerated Low Water Corrosion in Steel Marine Structures (RP693) will produce a state-of-the-art guidance document aimed specifically at filling the existing information void. It will provide design engineers will definitive guidance on the design of new, and the restoration of existing structures and enable contractors to price and carry out well designed schemes.
Mike Hodgson at John Martin Construction and ICE Board Member, said: “The publication of CIRIA’s ALWC report will be excellent news for all involved with steel structures in maritime environments and will lead to a clear understanding of the problem and the environment in which it occurs.”
Information is now urgently being sought from owners/ operators, designers and contractors in the form of a questionnaire, which also includes a description on how to identify ALWC for those unfamiliar with the problem.
Organisations are invited to contribute to the preparation of this important guidance document, which will ultimately be of value to all those involved with steel marine structures.
To download the questionnaire, or for for further information about this project, visit www. ciria. org/alwc.
Related Articles
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT