Inspections

An inspection cofferdam is typically 2 meters wide and can be built up according the requested inspection depth. This cofferdam fits on the back of a truck and can be transported as such. An inspection of a quay wall in detail will be executed with reference setups (decided in a joint decision between the client and Acotec) where the cofferdam will be placed. This will generally be on the locations where damage can be seen such as holing or even a subsidence of the quay.

An inspection can be performed by Acotec, by the client itself or by a third party which is mostly an engineering company.

When Acotec performs the inspection, a typical setup includes:

• dewatering,
• visual inspection,
• cleaning of the biofilm and vegetation,
• remaining steel thickness measurements on every inpan, flange and outpan for every meter below the waterline,
• potential measurements,
• coupon analysis to determine corrosion from the backside,
• test to determine bacterial corrosion,
• remaining film thickness of possible old coatings,
• inspection of former corrosion protection tools present,
• possible repairs when requested by the client.

An inspection in the dry gives a number of advantages:

• The infrastructure is clearly visible
• You can wash away the biofilm and vegetation and collect any loose material
• You don’t depend on the diver’s interpretation, but you can inspect yourself
• By taking away the front pressure on the waterside, any leakage and holing will become visible, even the smallest
• Any holing found, can be repaired immediately, during the inspection

A detailed cofferdam inspection is often required prior to a full renovation project or refurbishment of a jetty or bulkhead structure. The results of the inspection can be a direct input to determine the size and budget for the project for a possible repair or rehabilitation project.

Please contact Acotec to see that this way of inspecting is worthwhile…