Marine Piling Repair Services
UCC understands the critical role marine pilings play supporting docks, piers, wharfs, and other vital infrastructure. When these structures degrade due to age or environmental conditions, and when they are damaged through use, our underwater construction team has the expertise to help ensure strength, performance, and safety.
Our extensive experience and commitment to excellence in underwater construction and marine piling repair services makes us a trusted partner for diverse industries worldwide, including marine waterfront facilities such as power generation, water utilities, gas and power transmission.
Common Piling Issues
Marine pilings, whether comprised of wood, concrete or steel, face a constant battle against the elements. Over time they can experience extreme deterioration from the impact of saltwater, sun, and wave action, leading to cracking, spalling, and overall weakening. Marine life, like shipworms, mussels, and microscopic fungi and bacteria, can compromise wooden, concrete or steel pilings, posing an additional threat to their structural integrity.
Improperly applied or damaged coatings on steel pilings can delaminate, accelerating corrosion. Correctly applied factory coating offers superior protection that can potentially help the coating last for decades.
Early detection and intervention through regular inspections and proper maintenance are crucial to prevent issues and extend the functionality of these marine structures.
From Docks to Deepwater: Marine Piling Repair Solutions
Our team of more than 200 divers understands the unique challenges of working in marine environments and has extensive experience in delivering comprehensive underwater construction and marine piling repair services for a wide range of structures, including:
Leveraging the latest technology and techniques, including complete carbon fiber wrap solutions, our team safeguards the integrity of marine pilings through inspection, repair, and construction support services to ensure they remain safe, reliable and capable of withstanding the demanding conditions of both freshwater and saltwater environments. No matter the specific challenge, UCC has the expertise and capabilities to address various piling issues, including:
Cracks, Spalls, and Corrosion:
Options such as grouting, epoxy injection, cathodic protection systems, and carbon fiber wrapping can restore structural integrity and prevent further damage.
Erosion and Cavitation:
We can implement techniques like concrete or epoxy overlays, jacketing, and pile reinforcement to address these issues and enhance the piling’s longevity.
Loss of Materials:
Depending on the level of severity, we can utilize jacking, patching, or even partial/complete piling replacement to ensure structural stability.
Learn how our marine piling repair services contributed to infrastructure upgrades of bridge pier steel casings in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Evaluating Materials to Determine Repair vs Replacement
UCC’s expert marine piling repair team inspects commercial pilings, providing detailed assessments and repair strategy recommendations based on the type, material and extent of the damage. We often service:
Timber Piles (wood structures):
We can repair cracks, breaks and damage to timber piles using traditional methods like fiberglass jackets or carbon fiber jackets. These jackets, available in round or square shapes, are custom-fitted to the pile and provide a strong, watertight seal.
Spliced Timber Piles:
We can install a new timber splice segment and then encase the entire repaired pile in a concrete-filled fiberglass or carbon fiber jacket for long-lasting reinforcement.
Concrete Piles:
For minor cracks or spalling, we can use epoxy-filled fiberglass or carbon fiber jackets to create a watertight barrier and prevent further deterioration. For more extensive damage, we can employ concrete-filled fiberglass or carbon fiber jackets to restore the pile’s strength and stability.
Steel Piles and H-Beams:
Like other pile materials, steel can suffer from corrosion and wear. UCC’s team can address these issues using either concrete-filled or epoxy-filled fiberglass or carbon fiber jackets, creating a protective layer and extending the lifespan of the steel pilings.
Ultimately, the recommendation of whether to repair or replace a marine piling will be determined by qualified inspectors who can assess the extent of the damage, the remaining strength of the piling, and the overall structural needs. Our UCC team works with customers to evaluate options and plan solutions.
Learn more about our commercial diving services, including our detailed inspection program, and reach out with questions.
Expertise in Carbon Fiber Wrap Technology
For marine pilings and structures susceptible to progressive collapse and corrosion, our team will often utilize carbon fiber wrap during marine piling repair efforts. Known for its engineered strength (10x stronger than steel), carbon fiber provides numerous benefits, including:
UCC offers the most cost-effective and innovative carbon wrap or carbon fiber jacket solutions for reinforcing piling infrastructure. By combining our expertise in underwater and specialized processes with our use of advanced technology, we can restore your marine pilings quickly, efficiently, and optimized for your unique needs.
Contact our team today to learn more about our carbon fiber wrap solutions for marine piling repair.
Leverage the Expertise of UCC for Marine Piling Repair
Since 1969, our team of experienced divers have delivered expert solutions with the reliability, precision, and safety that demanding underwater projects require. If you have questions about marine piling repair, reach out today. Our knowledgeable team will create the ideal solution to meet your unique specifications.