In late 2022, a client we had worked with, primarily on projects related to life extension and condition assessment of docks, contacted us seeking urgent inspection of assets in the Mississippi River basin on behalf of one of their direct clients.
Due to significantly low water levels, navigation channels had shifted, leading to a barge colliding with a dock. This dock was essential infrastructure and required immediate assessment to determine if operations could continue without safety risks. They were also interested in identifying future remediation requirements, should there be any necessary.
Our objective was to quickly assess the integrity of the dock. Given the urgency, we devised a plan for a rapid response.
An initial assessment gathered preliminary information about the incident, the dock's structure, and the extent of visible damage. The dock, a smaller island connection between two facilities, suffered significant impact, potentially affecting its support systems, catwalks, fenders, and dolphin piles.
The client required expedited results, and the team identified sonar scanning technology deployed using a Class 1 remotely operated vehicle as the ideal solution. The simple, easily deployed system was capable of completing a comprehensive assessment of the dock, enabling the team to evaluate the shift in distances between support structures and examine the dock from the surface down to the mudline for any material separation.
The data was collected promptly, without incident, and the required reports and images were shared with the client to support their decision making and any future intervention activities.
The sonar scans provided a detailed 2D model of the dock's structure, allowing an accurate assessment of the damage.
We identified significant shifts in the dock's structure, with some elements being knocked more than a foot out of original position. The scans revealed that, despite the damage, there was no immediate risk of collapse. This finding was crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel and ongoing operations.
The quick response and efficient use of sonar technology enabled the client to make informed decisions about the dock's usability and necessary repairs without significant downtime.
Ensuring a swift response was critical. We managed to organize the assessment and deploy our team with the necessary equipment within a week of the initial request, demonstrating our commitment to rapid response and world class customer support.
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