UNIQUE POLYMER SYSYTEMS offers advanced solutions for the protection and repair of marine structures. This case study details the successful application of a protective coating to steel pilings supporting a bridge across the River Thames, using our UPS 250 UWC UNDERWATER CERAMIC.

Steel pilings that support a bridge across the River Thames were at risk of corrosion and erosion, particularly in the splash zone—the area of the pilings that is frequently exposed to both air and water. To prevent further degradation and extend the service life of these critical structures, a durable underwater coating was required.

The main challenge was to apply a coating that could effectively bond to the steel surface and cure underwater, ensuring robust protection against the harsh conditions of the splash zone. The solution needed to address both the corrosion and erosion risks while being practical for application in a marine environment.

UNIQUE POLYMER SYSTEMS provided a specialised protective coating solution using UPS 250 UWC. The application process involved the following steps:

Surface Preparation

- The steel pilings were prepared using hand-held needle guns to remove loose corrosion, marine growth, and create a coarse profile for the coating to bond to.

- To prevent contamination of the river, debris mesh was laid out over the pontoons during the preparation process.

- After surface preparation, the repaired areas were thoroughly cleaned with fresh water to remove any remaining debris.

Application of UPS 250 UWC UNDERWATER CERAMIC

- The application was carried out from floating pontoons. The sections of the steel pilings that were permanently exposed to air and the splash zone were coated with UPS 250 UWC.

- The UPS 250 UWC was applied using a plastic applicator to achieve a nominal thickness of 1mm. The coating was designed to cure even when submerged, ensuring long-lasting protection against both corrosion and erosion.

The application of UPS 250 UWC successfully protected the steel pilings from further corrosion and erosion. The coating provided a durable, long-term solution, capable of withstanding the challenging conditions of the splash zone, thereby extending the service life of the bridge supports.

This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of UNIQUE POLYMER SYSTEMS' underwater ceramic coatings in protecting critical marine structures. Our advanced materials and application techniques provided a reliable solution that ensures the integrity and longevity of the bridge pilings.