MARINE / STRUCTURES
Paint Inspection Ltd carried out a comprehensive condition survey of Southport Pier's supporting structure for Sefton Council, combining detailed visual inspection with field testing and laboratory analysis to establish the condition of the protective coatings and underlying steelwork. The resulting evidence was used to support informed decisions regarding future maintenance and replacement requirements.
THE PROJECT
Southport Pier presented a substantial inspection challenge due to the scale of the structure, its marine environment and the need to assess numerous structural elements across the pier. A detailed understanding of both protective coating condition and the condition of the underlying steelwork was required to provide meaningful information for future asset-management decisions. Paint Inspection Ltd was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive survey and testing programme, moving beyond visual assessment to gather measurable evidence of coating deterioration, corrosion and steel condition.
OUR INVOLVEMENT
Paint Inspection Ltd carried out a detailed inspection and testing programme across the pier's supporting structure. The scope included: • Detailed visual coating condition assessment • Coating defect and corrosion mapping • Dry film thickness (DFT) measurement • Ultrasonic thickness (UT) testing of steelwork • Adhesion testing • Coating sampling • Laboratory analysis of existing coating materials • Inspection using appropriate access equipment, including MEWPs • Photographic documentation and reporting of observed condition Combining these techniques enabled the survey to assess not only the visible condition of the protective coating system but also gather evidence concerning the condition of the underlying steelwork.
TECHNICAL APPROACH
The survey used a combination of visual assessment, field measurements and laboratory analysis to build an evidence-based picture of the condition of the pier's supporting structure. Coating deterioration and corrosion were identified and mapped, while DFT measurements provided information on the existing protective coating system. Adhesion testing provided further evidence regarding the condition and integrity of the existing coatings. Ultrasonic thickness testing was used to obtain measurements of the remaining steel thickness at selected locations, providing additional information to support assessment of areas affected by corrosion. Coating samples were also taken for laboratory analysis, providing further information on the existing coating materials and helping inform future maintenance considerations. The combination of these inspection techniques provided significantly more useful asset-condition information than visual inspection alone.
RELEVANT SERVICES
Condition Surveys Testing & Analysis Coating Inspection Technical Consultancy
THE OUTCOME
The completed survey provided Sefton Council with a detailed evidence base describing the condition of the protective coatings and supporting steelwork across the areas surveyed. By combining visual inspection, corrosion mapping, DFT measurement, adhesion testing, UT testing and laboratory analysis, Paint Inspection Ltd was able to provide information to support decisions concerning future maintenance and potential replacement requirements. The survey demonstrates how a structured coating and structural condition assessment can support longer-term asset management by identifying deterioration, quantifying condition and helping maintenance resources to be directed where they are most needed.
PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHY
RELATED EXPERTISE
Inspection · Condition Surveys · Testing & Analysis · Technical Consultancy
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