Underwater Harsh Environment Inspection
Submerged in or near water, whether fresh or salt water, metals are susceptible to some of the harshest conditions. Steel and zinc are no exceptions. One steel has set the standards for submerged foundations. Hot-dip galvanized steel has been used for decades to construct dams, docks, piers, and even water treatment facilities under harsh environmental conditions.
Underwater Galvanized Steel Piers
It is essential to understand that zinc corrosion in water is a complex process influenced by various factors, including pH, temperature, and motion. Predicting the life of galvanized steel in any water condition is difficult due to the movement of water and varying content and conditions. Water types such as hard and soft water have different corrosion rates for zinc, and cooler seawater has a lesser corrosion rate. Zinc can form passive compounds on the surface of hard water and cooler seawater because of its ability to form inactive compounds on the surface.
Galvanized Steel Submerged in Salt Water
Natural zinc coatings extend the lifespan of steel along the waterfront and submerged structures, as well as not harming aquatic life. Future generations’ quality of life depends on sustainability, and water will become a coveted, vital resource in the future. The actions we take today must be planned so that they do not harm our precious water in the future. In using hot-dip galvanized steel, manufactured chemicals or other pollutants are not introduced to the environment, but zinc is naturally present in the water.
Galvanized Zinc Steel Structures in Hard Water
Most water infrastructure, including dams, drinking water, inland waterways, levees, ports, and water treatment, reportedly needs repairs and upgrades. Using better materials and considering life-cycle performance and costs is a meaningful way to learn from past mistakes. Galvanized steel is durable, long-lasting, and cost-effective for improving water infrastructure now and in the future.
Offshore Steel Structure Inspections
Structures offshore provide facilities and equipment necessary for exploration and production at sea. Besides withstanding environmental impacts, they can also withstand daily operational forces such as waves, currents, wind, and earthquakes. Effective inspection procedures must be conducted for these structures to be resistant to fatigue and failure. Under international and national codes, Foundation Masters specializes in offshore structures inspections and underwater non-destructive testing inspections.
Underwater Inspections, Maintenance, and Repairs
Our underwater inspection services are available for pre-design, post-construction, routine, and emergency projects at Foundation Masters. Our clients frequently tell us that one of the reasons they like Foundation
Masters is that we can rectify damage or defects if we discover them during an inspection. Many dive companies do not perform repair and maintenance, and engineering companies usually specialize in inspections. Consequently, you might have to hire one company for inspections and another for repairs. In most cases, Foundation Masters can perform these repairs or maintenance items while we are on-site to inspect the facilities. As a result, the Owner can save a considerable amount of money. Foundation Masters provides reliable information to decision-makers through inspections and diagnostics that utilize experienced people, specialized tools, and non-destructive technology. For more information please email Jeff@foundationmasters.com.