AVIATION / PROTECTIVE COATINGS
Gatwick Airport Pier 3 is undergoing its first major maintenance programme, delivering significant refurbishment to this important passenger section of the airport. Alongside major structural works, including bearing replacement, the programme includes full abrasive blast cleaning of the existing steelwork followed by the application of a complete protective coating system. Paint Inspection Ltd has been involved from the early stages of the project and is providing independent technical support and full-time coating inspection throughout the works. The programme will continue through the winter and into 2027.
THE PROJECT
The refurbishment of Pier 3 represents a significant maintenance programme within a busy operational airport environment. In addition to bearing replacement and associated structural works, the existing steelwork is undergoing full abrasive blast cleaning before application of a complete protective coating system designed to provide long-term protection of the structure. The scale and duration of the programme require consistent quality control throughout the preparation and coating process rather than relying solely on inspection of the finished system.
OUR INVOLVEMENT
Paint Inspection Ltd’s involvement began before the coating works commenced, providing technical review of the project coating documentation, specification requirements and Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs). This early involvement allowed the proposed inspection and quality-control requirements to be reviewed before work progressed on site. As the project moved into the delivery phase, PIL’s involvement transitioned into full-time site inspection, with an ICorr Level 3 coating inspector assigned to the project throughout the protective coating works. This provides continuity between the documented project requirements and the preparation and coating activities actually being undertaken on site.
TECHNICAL APPROACH
The protective coating programme involves full preparation of the steelwork by abrasive blast cleaning followed by application of the specified protective coating system. Paint Inspection Ltd provides independent inspection throughout the coating process, assessing the works progressively rather than relying solely on inspection of the completed coating system. Inspection and quality assurance cover the key stages of the coating process, including surface preparation, environmental conditions, coating application, inspection and final acceptance in accordance with the project requirements. Inspection records provide traceability throughout the works and allow potential issues or non-conforming areas to be identified at the appropriate stage, before subsequent coating layers or activities make rectification more difficult.
RELEVANT SERVICES
Coating Inspection ITP & Document Review Testing & Analysis Quality Assurance Technical Consultancy
THE OUTCOME
With the programme continuing through the winter and into 2027, Paint Inspection Ltd continues to provide full-time independent coating inspection and quality assurance throughout the protective coating works. From initial document, specification and ITP reviews through to continuous site inspection by an ICorr Level 3 coating inspector, PIL is providing continuity of technical oversight throughout the programme. The objective is to independently verify that the protective coating works are undertaken in accordance with the project requirements while maintaining clear and traceable inspection records throughout the refurbishment.
PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHY
RELATED EXPERTISE
Inspection · Condition Surveys · Testing & Analysis · Technical Consultancy
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