In-Situ Subsurface Coating of Corroded Steel Sheet Pile Structures

ERDC/CERL TR-17-35
DoD Corrosion Prevention and Control Program
In-Situ Subsurface Coating of Corroded Steel

Sheet Pile Structures
Final Report on Project F08-AR06
Alfred D. Beitelman, Richard G. Lampo, Lawrence Clark, September 2017

Dave Butler, Eric Van Draege, and David Rozène
Construction Engineering
Research Laboratory
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

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DoD Corrosion Prevention ERDC/CERL TR-17-35
and Control Program September 2017
In-Situ Subsurface Coating of Corroded Steel

Sheet Pile Structures
Final Report on Project F08-AR-06
Alfred D. Beitelman and Richard G. Lampo

Construction Engineering Research Laboratory
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
2902 Newmark Drive
Champaign, IL 61822
Lawrence Clark and Dave Butler

Mandaree Enterprise Corporation
812 Park Drive
Warner Robins, GA 31088
Eric Van Draege and David Rozène

Acotec, Inc.
Erembodegem, Belgium and Houston, TX
Final report
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Prepared for Office of the Secretary of Defense (OUSD(AT&L))

3090 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-3090
Under Project F08-AR06, “In Situ Coatings for Sheet Piles”
ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 ii
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) spends over $100 million annually
maintaining and repairing waterfront infrastructure, including corroded
steel sheet pile structures located in warm, salt-water immersion and areas
susceptible to accelerated low-water corrosion. Once designed as tempo-
rary structures, many now support permanent requirements and must be
repaired in place. Conventional underwater repair and coating operations
are accomplished by specialized divers at very high cost. This project in-
vestigated a cost-saving emerging technology called a limpet cofferdam,
which is readily positioned below the waterline to provide workshop-like
conditions for repair technicians, and is rapidly movable along submerged
sheet pile structures. Also demonstrated was a highly durable, single-coat
amine epoxy system that fully cures in immersion.
Limpet deployment and dewatering was completed in 30 minutes or less,

and leaks into the workspace through damaged sheet pile were sealed in
5–30 minutes, depending on perforation size and other variables. The
coating was found to be readily sprayable with only minimal pinholing,
and fully cured under water. Literature indicates that this coating can be
expected to have a 25–30 year service life. The calculated return on invest-
ment for these technologies is 14.70, with higher potential return when
planning includes the recommended site-assessment methods.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Ci-
tation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products.
All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to
be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents.
DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN NO LONGER NEEDED. DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR.
ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 iii
Contents
Abstract.................................................................................................................................... ii
Figures and Tables ..................................................................................................................vi
Preface ...................................................................................................................................viii
Unit Conversion Factors ........................................................................................................ ix
1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Problem statement ............................................................................................ 1
1.2 Objective............................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Approach ............................................................................................................ 3
1.4 Metrics................................................................................................................ 3
2 Technical Investigation ................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Technology overview .......................................................................................... 6
2.1.1 Limpet cofferdam technology..................................................................................... 6
2.1.2 Selected coating ......................................................................................................... 8
2.1.3 Site description ........................................................................................................... 9
2.1.4 Health and safety ...................................................................................................... 10
2.1.5 Environmental compliance ....................................................................................... 11
2.2 Field work .........................................................................................................11
2.2.1 Equipment ................................................................................................................. 11
2.2.2 Required contractor services and capabilities ........................................................ 13
2.2.3 Mobilization ............................................................................................................... 15
2.2.4 Working platforms ..................................................................................................... 16
2.2.5 Sheet pile wall cleaning inspection .......................................................................... 18
2.2.6 Sheet pile wall repairs .............................................................................................. 18
2.2.7 Surface preparation and cleaning ........................................................................... 28
2.2.8 Coating application ................................................................................................... 29
2.2.9 Containment .............................................................................................................. 32
2.2.10 Installation of reference panels ............................................................................... 33
2.3 Performance monitoring ................................................................................ 34
2.3.1 Limpet cofferdam performance ............................................................................... 34
2.3.2 Steel thickness measurements ................................................................................ 35
2.3.3 Bacteriological field investigation ............................................................................ 36
2.3.4 Surface preparation coating..................................................................................... 36
2.4 Follow-up inspections ..................................................................................... 36
2.4.1 Reference panels ...................................................................................................... 36
2.4.2 Adhesion test............................................................................................................. 37
2.5 Warranty ........................................................................................................... 37
3 Discussion ....................................................................................................................... 38
3.1 Results............................................................................................................. 38
ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 iv
3.1.1 Corrosion rates .......................................................................................................... 38

3.1.2 Corrosion profile ........................................................................................................ 38
3.1.3 Atmospheric zone ..................................................................................................... 39
3.1.4 Splash zone ............................................................................................................... 39
3.1.5 Tidal zone .................................................................................................................. 40
3.1.6 Low-water zone ......................................................................................................... 41
3.2 Follow-up inspection of treated areas ........................................................... 42
3.2.1 Inspection after 6 months ........................................................................................ 42
3.2.2 Inspection after 11 months ...................................................................................... 44
3.3 Lessons learned ............................................................................................. 44
3.3.1 Limpet sealing process and sheet pile leak repair ................................................. 45
3.3.2 Surface cleaning issues............................................................................................ 45
3.3.3 Coating application ................................................................................................... 46
4 Economic Analysis ......................................................................................................... 47

4.1 Costs and assumptions ................................................................................... 47
4.1.1 General assumptions ................................................................................................ 48
4.1.2 Alternative 1 (Baseline Scenario)............................................................................. 49
4.1.3 Alternative 2 (Demonstrated Technology) ............................................................... 49
4.2 Projected return on investment ..................................................................... 50
4.3 Supplemental economic and life-cycle cost information .............................. 51
4.3.1 Baseline configuration .............................................................................................. 51
4.3.2 Cost evaluation of repair systems to extend sheet pile wall life ............................ 53
4.3.3 Annual life-cycle cost savings ................................................................................... 54
5 Conclusions and Recommendations ........................................................................... 56

5.1 Conclusions..................................................................................................... 56
5.2 Recommendations .......................................................................................... 57
5.2.1 Applicability ............................................................................................................... 57
5.2.2 Implementation ......................................................................................................... 59
References............................................................................................................................. 60
Appendix A: Technical Data Sheets for Humidur Coating Products ...............................A1
Appendix B: Diagram of Sheet Pile Wall Repair Above Waterline ................................. B1
Appendix C: Bacteriological Test Methods to Identify Causes of Corrosion .................C1
Appendix D: Evaluation of Coating Condition After 6 Months ....................................... D1
Appendix E: Evaluation of Exposure Panels After 6 Months ........................................... E1
Appendix F: Evaluation of Coating Condition After 11 Months ...................................... F1
Appendix G: In Situ Inspection of Past Humidur Application After 24 Years ............... G1
Appendix H: Proposed Changes to UFC 4-150-07 ........................................................... H1

ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 v
Appendix I: Proposed Synopsis for Negotiated Procurement .......................................... I1
Report Documentation Page

ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 vi
Figures and Tables

Figures
Figure 1. The Acotec Pacific Flyer limpet cofferdam selected for the
demonstration. ............................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 2. Sheet pile wall at Port Naha, Okinawa, Japan........................................................... 9
Figure 3. Earlier repairs to sheet pile wall. ............................................................................... 10
Figure 4. Limpet cofferdam arriving at site in shipping containers. .....................................15
Figure 5. Unloading limpet cofferdam from containers..........................................................15
Figure 6. Staging area for the limpet cofferdam. .................................................................... 16
Figure 7. Assembling the limpet cofferdam.............................................................................. 16
Figure 8. Overwater working platforms. .................................................................................... 17
Figure 9. Overwater platforms and limpet cofferdam............................................................. 17
Figure 10. Manual removal of corrosion products. .................................................................18
Figure 11. Pneumatic removal of corrosion products. ...........................................................19
Figure 12. Platform for overwater work. ...................................................................................20
Figure 13. Workers repairing piles overwater. .........................................................................20
Figure 14. Corrosion in the atmospheric zone......................................................................... 21
Figure 15. Polyurethane injection into voids behind piles above the waterline. .................22
Figure 16. Application of proprietary cement to surface voids..............................................22
Figure 17. Remodeled corners prior to attaching doubling plates. .......................................23
Figure 18. Doubling plates. ........................................................................................................ 24
Figure 19. Drilling injection hole. ............................................................................................... 24
Figure 20. Tack welding plates. .................................................................................................25
Figure 21. Continuous welding of plates. .................................................................................25
Figure 22. Platform at–11.5 ft (–3.5 m) below surface a (left), and pinhole leaks
that appeared after initial surface preparation. ...................................................................... 27
Figure 23. Example hole on out-pan. ........................................................................................ 27
Figure 24. Example of a patch weld. .........................................................................................28
Figure 25. Deep pits in surface-prepared bare steel plating. ................................................29
Figure 26. Holiday in coating formed over deep surface pit. .................................................30
Figure 27. Z pile interlocks treated with Humidur putty and brush-applied
variants..........................................................................................................................................30
Figure 28. Brush application of Humidur BAML on sharp edges before spray
coating. .......................................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 29. Sheet pile wall before (left) and after renovation (right)......................................32
Figure 30. Emptying waste material collected in cofferdam. ................................................33
Figure 31. Installation of reference panels. .............................................................................33
Figure 32. Treated and untreated panels installed on sheet pile wall. ................................34
ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 vii
Figure 33. Measuring steel thickness.......................................................................................35

Figure 34. Measuring pit depth. ................................................................................................36
Figure 35. Adhesion test. ............................................................................................................ 37
Figure 36. Typical corrosion profile of steel pilings in ocean tidal water. .............................39
Figure 37. Tidal zone below –5 ft (–1.5 m). .............................................................................40
Figure 38. Tidal zone below –5 ft (–1.5 m).............................................................................. 41
Figure 39. General condition of sheet pile wall 6 months after renovation. .......................42
Figure 40. Closer view of completed work after 6 months. ...................................................42
Figure 41. Two small pinholes (left) and rust stain (right). .....................................................43
Tables
Table 1. Adhesion test results, –2.0 m at Pile 46. .................................................................. 37
Table 2. Breakdown of total dem/val project costs. ............................................................... 47
Table 3. Field demonstration costs. .......................................................................................... 47
Table 4. Breakdown of actual costs of repairs and coating application. .............................48
Table 5. Relative costs to renovate sheet pile walls in various conditions. .........................49
Table 6. ROI calculation for steel pilings in poor condition before repair and
coating. .......................................................................................................................................... 51
Table 7. Life cycle cost comparisons to evaluate when renovation costs can justify
service life extension. ..................................................................................................................54
ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 viii
Preface
This demonstration was performed for the Office of the Secretary of De-
fense (OSD) under Department of Defense (DoD) Corrosion Prevention
and Control Project F08-AR06, “In Situ Coatings for Sheet Piles.” The pro-
ponent was the US Army Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installa-
tion Management (ACSIM), and the stakeholder was the U.S. Army
Installation Management Command (IMCOM). The technical monitors
were Daniel J. Dunmire (OUSD(AT&L)), Bernie Rodriguez (IMPW-E), and
Valerie D. Hines (DAIM-ODF).
The work was performed by the Engineering and Materials Branch

(CEERD-CFM), Facilities Division (CF), U.S. Army Engineer Research and
Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory
(ERDC-CERL), Champaign, IL. The ERDC-CERL Project Manager was Al-
fred D. Beitelman. Portions of this work were performed under contract by
Mandaree Enterprise Corporation (Warner Robins, GA) and Acotec, Inc.
(Erembodegem, Belgium and Houston, TX). The ERDC-CERL CPC Pro-
gram Manager was Michael K. McInerney. At the time this report was pre-
pared, Vicki L. Van Blaricum was Chief, CEERD-CFM; Donald K. Hicks
was Chief, CEERD-CF, and Kurt Kinnevan, CEERD-CZT, was the Tech-
nical Director for Adaptive and Resilient Installations. The Deputy Direc-
tor of ERDC-CERL is Dr. Kirankumar Topudurti and the Director is Dr.
Ilker Adiguzel.
Daniel Zrna, Department of Public Works, Torii Station, Okinawa, is grate-

fully acknowledged for his support and assistance in this project.
The Commander of ERDC is COL Bryan S. Green and the Director is Dr.
David W. Pittman.
ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 ix
Unit Conversion Factors

Multiply By To Obtain
degrees Fahrenheit (F-32)/1.8 degrees Celsius
feet 0.3048 meters
gallons (U.S. liquid) 3.785412 E-03 cubic meters
inches 0.0254 meters
mils 0.0254 millimeters
square feet 0.09290304 square meters

ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 x
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ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 1
1 Introduction
1.1 Problem statement
The Department of Defense (DoD) annually spends over $100 million
maintaining and repairing piers, wharfs, and shore erosion-protection fa-
cilities (Herzberg et al. 2014). The steel sheet piles typically used in the
construction of these facilities have usually been installed without protec-
tive coatings. Historically, they were considered temporary structures, so
target design life has been achieved by specifying steel thick enough to
withstand expected environmental stresses and corrosion. However, after
many decades of experience with sheet pile material failures in highly cor-
rosive environments, such as warm salt-water immersion or areas suscep-
tible to accelerated low-water corrosion (ALWC), it is apparent that sheet
pile structures must be designed and maintained for the long term in order
to control DoD maintenance and repair costs. *
The destructive impacts of ALWC have become more well understood in

recent years. ALWC is a localized and aggressive form of corrosion that oc-
curs at or below the low-water level of a structure and is associated with
microbially induced corrosion. ALWC develops suddenly after 10 years of
slow corrosion. This corrosion progresses to a point where wall section
thinning starts to compromise the integrity of the structure. Averaged over
time, ALWC corrosion rates are typically 20 mil (0.5 mm)/side/year, to
the point of complete perforation of steel plate. This damage directly af-
fects mission-critical operations in docks and other marine structures sup-
ported by rapidly corroding sheet piles.
Conventional in situ repair and coating processes for sheet pile structures
can be accomplished only by divers at an extremely high cost. Recent inno-
vations by several companies have produced portable limpet cofferdams
that can be immersed alongside sheet pile structures, then dewatered so
work on the piles conducted in a dry environment. Industry has also pro-
duced hundred-percent-solids epoxy coatings that rapidly and effectively
cure in damp, humid environments so the cofferdam structure can be
* Literature documenting sheet pile material failures include CEBELCOR 1987; Christie 2000; Gehrke
and Sand 2003; Kumar and Stephenson 2002, 2005, 2006; PIANC Working Group 44 2005; and
Van Damme and Vrelust 1999. See reference section for complete citations.
flooded and moved to another location very soon after coating application.
It has been reported that repair procedures using cofferdams can elimi-
nate the need for extensive diving activity and dramatically reduce costs
and improve results of sheet pile repairs near and below the waterline
(Voight 2001). This method of repair has not previously been demon-
strated and evaluated on a DoD marine structure, so neither DoD person-
nel nor contractors have experience with it. Project designers and
estimators lack historical data for evaluating economic and technical bene-
fits of this technology in comparison to traditional methods of sheet pile
wall preservation and repair.
The port of Naha, Okinawa, operated by Torii Station, U. S. Army Garrison

Japan, was constructed largely of unpainted sheet pile in the 1950s. Many
areas are severely damaged by corrosion and offer excellent conditions for
demonstrating in situ repair of steel sheet pile using a movable cofferdam
and a high-performance coating.
1.2 Objective
The objectives of this project were to demonstrate and validate the perfor-
mance of
• a movable limpet cofferdam to efficiently provide a dry subsurface en-

vironment for maintenance workers on the face of sheet piles severely
degraded by corrosion, and
• an advanced epoxy coating system formulated for coating sheet pile to
prevent all forms of corrosion, including ALWC.
During the course of the project, several secondary objectives emerged to

address the complexities of feasibility assessment, costing, and scoping the
rehabilitation and effective coating of large sheet pile structures. These in-
cluded development of the methods listed below:
• Effective recommendations for evaluating the structural condition and

corrosion activity affecting submerged sheet pile structures
• Methods for feasibility and economic analysis of prospective sheet pile
projects to determine whether application of limpet cofferdam technol-
ogy and select coating systems could significantly reduce infrastructure
life-cycle costs as compared to other methods, including sheet pile re-
placement
• Recommendations for thorough initial site assessment, including tests

to identify any root causes of ALWC and microbial-influenced corro-
sion (MIC)
1.3 Approach
A section of extremely corroded sheet piling supporting a dock at Naha
Port, Okinawa was selected as the test site. A working procedure was de-
veloped around the use of a commercially available limpet cofferdam for
dewatering areas of sheet pile below the waterline. The cofferdam pro-
vided a dry working platform. After cleaning and initial surface prepara-
tion, the contracted work team determined the best method to repair the
structure. Following repairs, an inspector made a visual assessment; col-
lected physical measurements, and recorded photographic evidence of the
condition of the sheet pile wall. The inspection included a bacteriological
field investigation. Following final surface preparation and inspection, the
contractor coated the sheet pile wall with a single-coating, high-build
amine epoxy coating known to be effective against ALWC and able to cure
under water.
Surface preparation was closely evaluated given its critical importance to

coating performance. Surfaces were thoroughly cleaned of salts, corrosion
products, and all other residues prior to coating application. Film thick-
ness measurements were recorded and test panels were prepared for expo-
sure at the waterline. These panels were evaluated and retrieved at 6 and
12 months after installation. Cost data was recorded for life-cycle cost
analysis and return on investment (ROI) calculations.
1.4 Metrics
The metrics used to assess the performance of the demonstrated systems
were as follows:
1. Determine the capability of the cofferdam structure to provide a dry

working environment in locations normally under water on the sheet
pile.
2. Assess the benefits for using the cofferdam structure compared to con-
ventional underwater repair methods applied by divers.
3. Confirm any ALWC activity and assess the ability of the demonstrated
coating to prevent or prevent further steel corrosion where applied.
The industry codes, standards, and test methods used to evaluate the qual-
ity of work performed are summarized below
Structural inspections conformed to the following standards:
Specification Description
ASTM E797 Standard Practice for Measuring Thickness by Manual
Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Contact Method
ASTM D 610 Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Rusting
on Painted Steel
Weld repairs and procedures conformed to the following specifications:
ASTM A242/A242M High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel
AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel
AWS Z49.1 Safety in Welding and Cutting and Allied Processes
Surface preparation and coating conformed to the manufacturer’s specifi-

cations for coating application, which reference the following standards:
ASTM D4417 Test Methods for Field Measurement of Surface Profile
of Blast Cleaned Steel, Method B
ASTM D1186 Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of
Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to a Ferrous Base
ASTM D4541 Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable
Adhesion Testers
ISO 8502-3 Preparation of steel substrates before application of
paints and related products -- Tests for the assessment
of surface cleanliness -- Part 3: Assessment of dust on
steel surfaces prepared for painting (pressure-sensitive
tape method)
of surface cleanliness -- Part 4: Guidance on the
estimation of the probability of condensation prior to
paint application
of surface cleanliness -- Part 6: Extraction of soluble
contaminants for analysis -- The Bresle method
of surface cleanliness -- Part 9: Field method for the
conductometric determination of water-soluble salts
paints and related products -- Surface roughness
characteristics of blast-cleaned steel substrates -- Part
2: Method for the grading of surface profile of abrasive
blast-cleaned steel -- Comparator procedure
ISO 19840 Paints and varnishes -- Corrosion protection of steel
structures by protective paint systems -- Measurement
of, and acceptance criteria for, the thickness of dry
films on rough surfaces
SSPC-AB 1 Abrasive Specification No. 1 for Mineral and Slag
Abrasives
SSPC-VIS 1-89 Guide To Visual Standard for Abrasive Blast Cleaned
Steel (Standard Reference Photographs)
SSPC–SP 2 Surface Preparation Specification No. 2 for Hand Tool
Cleaning
SSPC–SP 3 Surface Preparation Specification No. 3 for Power Tool
Cleaning
SSPC–SP 6/NACE No. 3 Joint Surface Preparation Standard for Commercial
Blast Cleaning
SSPC–SP 10/NACE No. 2 Joint Surface Preparation Standard for Near-White Blast
Cleaning
2 Technical Investigation
2.1 Technology overview
2.1.1 Limpet cofferdam technology
The limpet cofferdam is a highly specialized technology in terms of system

design and requirements for safe and effective operation. In basic terms, it
is an open-top, multistory enclosure designed to be rapidly attached to the
face of sheet pile structure and pumped dry to provide a safe workspace for
structural maintenance and repair of corrosion damage. Specifically, the
limpet cofferdam provides dry access to structural surfaces below the low-
water level.
The term limpet used for this equipment refers to aquatic gastropods that
attach themselves to underwater surfaces using suction to create a pres-
sure drop between their bodies and the objects they cling to. A critical de-
sign element of the limpet cofferdam is the sealing technology. In the
current project, the selected cofferdam incorporated sealing technology
covered by U.S. Patent 5,292,206 (Sonck and Van Draege 1994). After the
limpet cofferdam is hoisted down into the water with its seals in contact
with the submerged sheet pile structure, the interior of the device is
pumped dry and the exterior water pressure pushes the compressible seals
tightly against the piles. In this way, the pressure drop “adheres” the lim-
pet cofferdam to the structure without any interlocking mechanical attach-
ment necessary.
Limpets * are normally manufactured and operated by contracting firms

specializing in this type of work. A dry working environment is possible
throughout the tidal range and down to the specified depth for which the
cofferdam is designed. An economy of scale per unit length of sheet pile
wall can be realized on larger projects. However, limpet technology comes
with both advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include the following
points, as listed below:
• Provides excellent access to critical areas of piles irrespective of tide

and depth.
• A standard workshop environment is provided.
* In this report, the term “limpet” is often used for brevity in reference to the limpet cofferdam.
• True structural condition can be directly perceived and assessed with-

out the encumbrances of diving equipment.
• Inspection and repairs can be carried out efficiently and concurrently.
• Sequential repositioning and dewatering of the limpet can be accom-
plished in 30 minutes or less in most cases.
There are several intrinsic barriers associated with the initiation of a pro-
ject involving the use of a limpet to repair submerged structures. These in-
clude
• limited cost data and contractor experience with the technology in the
United States
• lack of source planning documents for design engineers
• lack of awareness of this method of work among engineers and consult-
ants.
Special skills required to apply limpet technology include those listed be-
low:
• Assemble and deploy the limpet with little or no modification within

three days.
• Seal the limpet against piling without the use of divers within 30
minutes.
• Seal all leaks from the structure into the limpet watertight.
Onsite personnel with requisite limpet technical and application experi-

ence provided novice users with the necessary training.
In addition to providing a dry, safe working area below the waterline, the
limpet also serves as a containment enclosure that protects the nearby en-
vironment from debris and emissions produced during work. The limpet
shown in Figure 1 was selected for the demonstration. Its product specifi-
cations cover safety, design features, structure, method and materials for
assembly, outfitting, stability, and operational efficiency. A third-party en-
gineering firm certified the limpet’s structural integrity and suitability for
purpose. The limpet was shipped with all necessary auxiliary equipment in
two standard shipping containers.
Figure 1. The Acotec Pacific Flyer limpet cofferdam selected for the demonstration.
2.1.2 Selected coating
A 24 mil (600µ) coating of high-performance marine epoxy is an effective

method of stopping ALWC. Such a coating has an expected service life of
29 years. The use of a single-coat, high-build coating that can cure under-
water reduces time, labor, and materials required for application and cur-
ing as compared with a standard three-coat system. This project used a
modified amine epoxy coating meeting the requirements for the applica-
tion.
The amine epoxy coating system selected for this project is a 100% solids,
two-component coating system. It contains no coal tar pitch, but its in-
tended use overlaps that of the coal tar epoxy formulations traditionally
used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for this type of appli-
cation. It has high corrosion and abrasion resistance and is formulated
specifically for protecting marine steel structures exposed to severe corro-
sion environments and ALWC. Data sheets for the selected coating materi-
als are found in Appendix A. Performance features include the following:
• Excellent chemical, abrasion and impact resistance

• Cures at low temperatures
• Self-priming, single-coat system
• Standard spray equipment can apply a single coat up to 40 mils

• Cures underwater and requires no dry cure time before immersion
• Contains 100 percent solids and no volatile solvents
• Safe to marine life during and after cure, as confirmed by independent
toxicology reports
• Available in compatible brush-applied and putty variants for stripe
coating and filling voids
• Compatible with impressed-current cathodic protection systems
2.1.3 Site description
The demonstration sheet pile wall is located at Port Naha, Okinawa, Japan
(Figure 2). The condition of the piling and the extent of surface cleaning
and repairs required were unknown at the onset of the project. Similarly,
estimating the cost and time requirements to perform the work were diffi-
cult before deployment of the cofferdam. Cleaning and repairs significantly
contributed to project duration and cost.
The hot-rolled structural steel sheet piles were installed in 1950s. The
sheet pile was manufactured in Japan. Metallurgical reports were not
available. No corrosion-prevention methods were previously applied.
Figure 2. Sheet pile wall at Port Naha, Okinawa, Japan.

Earlier methods to repair the sheet pile walls included the addition of steel
plates and concrete (Figure 3). Noncoated steel plating was bolted over
damaged sections, but over time those too corroded heavily, lost material
thickness, and perforated.
Figure 3. Earlier repairs to sheet pile wall.
The specific section of piling selected for the demonstration met the fol-
lowing minimum criteria for work execution:
• Adequate access to the site location (either from shore or water)

• Sufficient and secure area for assembling equipment and staging mate-
rial
• Available fresh water for rinsing salts and wet blasting operations
• Sufficient overhead clearance for transport and lifting operations
• Adequate load bearing capacity for equipment along the sheet pile wall
for shore access
2.1.4 Health and safety
No safety and occupational health standards refer specifically to portable

limpet cofferdams, but portions of two documents have applicable require-
ments: (1) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 29 CFR Chapter XVII, Part
1926; and (2) Engineer Manual (EM) 385-1-1 (USACE 2014). The manu-
facturer of the cofferdam provided a comprehensive health and safety
manual to the project team.
2.1.5 Environmental compliance
Discharge of pollutants into the port is prohibited. The cofferdam served

as the primary containment enclosure for pollutants and debris such as
corrosion products, spent blast media, and airborne particulate matter
produced during
• abrasive blasting and other surface-preparation operations

• cleaning of steel surfaces on the structure in preparation for coating
• debris removal and collection
• coating application.
The containment protocols included a method to move debris from the en-
closure to a central location for environmental-compliant removal.
2.2 Field work

The contractor deployed and dewatered the limpet cofferdam for dry ac-
cess to submerged areas of the sheet pile wall. After initial cleaning and
surface preparation, the contracting team determined the best method to
repair the structure. Following inspection, repairs, and final surface prepa-
ration, the contractor coated the sheet pile wall with a high performance
marine epoxy. High-build barrier epoxy coatings are proven effective
against accelerated low-water corrosion (ALWC) when applied on properly
prepared steel. The project plan included two follow-up inspections at 6
and 12 months after coating application.
2.2.1 Equipment
Equipment and labor requirements vary according to site location and ac-
cess. Cofferdam deployment typically requires equipment and services as
described below.
2.2.1.1 Heavy equipment
A 60 ton (55 metric ton) hydraulic crane was used to assemble and deploy
the cofferdam from the shore. A forklift was required for material han-
dling.
2.2.1.2 Small equipment
The following small equipment and accessories were used in the installa-
tion:
• Electric power generator

• Air compressor
• Abrasive blasting pot
• Air pollution control equipment
• Welding machines
• High-pressure airless paint sprayer–5,000 psi (360 bar) and 2.4 gpm
(9 liters/min), 60:1 pump ratio, and Wagner 560 spray gun or similar
• High-pressure washer (4,350 psi [300 bar]), and
• Freshwater tank
Two platforms were used for work performed above the waterline.
2.2.1.3 Secure storage areas
Secure storage was provided for the following items:
• onsite office and sanitary facilities

• two standard 40 ft (12 m) shipping containers
• two 12 cu yd (9 m3) waste disposal containers for nonhazardous waste
• area for hazardous material storage.
2.2.1.4 Tools
Common tools needed for surface preparation, limpet assembly, and typi-
cal jobsite tasks included those listed below:
• Power cleaning devices such as pneumatic chipping hammers, wire

brushes, grinders, rotary peening tools, needle guns, etc.
• Power tools for assembling the limpet, impact wrenches, etc.
• Hand tools for typical mechanical, carpentry, and electrical work.
2.2.1.5 Special materials
The project required various special materials for repairs and in-place
coating, including
• rapid-cure cement
• sprayable amine epoxy coating with compatible putty and brushable

variants
• tools and materials for sealing wet holes
• steel plates for reinforcing thin steel.
2.2.1.6 Consumables
Consumables included
• fuel
• cleaning solvents
• abrasive blast media
• freshwater.
2.2.2 Required contractor services and capabilities
The task order required contractor services with the capabilities outlined
in the subsections below.
2.2.2.1 Competent person
Deployment of a prefabricated limpet requires supervision by a “compe-

tent person,” usually a representative of the manufacturer. If a competent
person is not explicitly required on a given project, the design engineer
should consider adding this requirement.
This person must be able to demonstrate competencies related to limpet

cofferdam design, assembly, deployment, and operation, as listed below:
• Training, experience, and knowledge of design, assembly, deployment,

and work operations of a limpet
• Proper use of personal protection equipment (PPE)
• Ability to detect
o conditions that could result in structural failure
o failure or misuse of PPE
o hazardous atmospheres
o other hazards associated with working from a limpet
• Authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate existing and
predictable hazards and to stop work when necessary
2.2.2.2 Welding services
Welding services were provided to meet the following criteria:
• Certification by American Welding Society (AWS) or approved equiva-

lent
• Diesel-powered portable direct current (DC) welder, 225–300 amp
• Cutting and arc welding tools and accessories.
All wet holes were sealed and patch welded before surface preparation for
coating.
Reinforcing (doubling) plates were welded over sections where steel thick-
ness was less than 50% of original, or as directed by the agency.
Doubling plates had to match the original contour of the sheet piling and
extend at least 8 in. over steel with thickness greater than 70% of the origi-
nal steel thickness, or as directed by the agency. The project used 0.25 inch
(6 mm) weathering structural steel in conformance with ASTM
A242/A242M.
2.2.2.3 Structural steel coating services
Surface preparation and quality control were performed in accordance

with the coating manufacturer’s instructions, which consisted of the fol-
lowing points:
• Hydroblast to remove marine growth and loose corrosion products.

• Use manual and power tool cleaning methods to meet SSPC-SP 3.
• Abrasive blast to SSPC-SP 10 (SSI-Sa2 ½, or NACE #2), producing a
2–3 mil (50–75 µ) surface profile.
• Use two-part epoxy coating, mixed per the manufacturer’s directions.
• Apply coating with high-pressure airless spraying equipment.
PPE was provided to protect worker health during coating operations.
2.2.2.4 Coating inspector
The coating manufacturer provided inspection services.

2.2.3 Mobilization
The limpet cofferdam and all auxiliary equipment were delivered in two
40-foot shipping containers (Figure 4 and Figure 5). The staging area for
the limpet cofferdam was approximately 130 x 65 ft (40 x 20 m) (Figure
6).
Figure 4. Limpet cofferdam arriving at site in shipping containers.
Figure 5. Unloading limpet cofferdam from containers.

Figure 6. Staging area for the limpet cofferdam.
The contractor was able to assemble the limpet in 2 days (Figure 7). The
contractor did not have to make any modifications. The limpet satisfied all
environmental and safety regulations. Initial deployment and safety train-
ing began on the third day after the equipment arrived.
Figure 7. Assembling the limpet cofferdam.
2.2.4 Working platforms
In order to organize the work as efficiently as possible, the contractor exe-

cuted work from several platforms. The atmospheric zone of the standard
sheet pile (SSP) directly under the capping beam was clearly visible and
severely corroded. The condition of the steel under water was unknown.
The contractor deployed two swing platforms for overwater work and the
one limpet cofferdam for underwater work. The platforms and cofferdam
are shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9. The underwater part of the work from
the cofferdam went smoothly due to conditions inside the cofferdam being
highly suitable for the work (i.e., lighting, shielding from the elements,
floor elevation). The cofferdam was dewatered down to 15 ft (4.6 meters)
below the concrete cap.
Figure 8. Overwater working platforms.
Figure 9. Overwater platforms and limpet cofferdam.

2.2.5 Sheet pile wall cleaning inspection
The team had to remove thick layers of amorphous rust and marine foul-
ing. The work was time-consuming and labor-intensive. The 4,350 psi
(300 bar) pressure washer was not powerful enough to remove the thick
solid layers, so mechanical impact was required. Workers used hammers
and pneumatic tools to remove thick layers of corrosion products as shown
in Figure 10 and Figure 11. All debris was collected in the sump of the cof-
ferdam.
2.2.6 Sheet pile wall repairs
Prior to weld repairs, all leaks were sealed watertight. Steel reinforcing
plates were welded over any unsound metal. Patch plates were welded over
any holes below the waterline. After welding, voids behind the reinforcing
plates were injected and filled with cement grout or epoxy resin
Figure 10. Manual removal of corrosion products.

Figure 11. Pneumatic removal of corrosion products.
2.2.6.1 Sheet pile wall repairs above waterline (splash zone to concrete cap)
The contractor installed two work platforms at low tide. The platform edge
was designed with a profile to match that of the pilings (see Figure 12) in
order to contain debris created during repair and surface preparation.
Brackets were welded to the out-pans of the piles to support the platforms,
as shown in Figure 13.
Figure 12. Platform for overwater work.
Figure 13. Workers repairing piles overwater.
After manual and mechanical removal of loose debris and corrosion prod-
ucts, workers used abrasive blasting equipment to remove the more tightly
adhering corrosion products. Inspection after the initial sheet pile wall
cleaning revealed extensive perforations and loss of steel in a 3 ft (1.0 m)
band above the waterline. The condition is shown in Figure 14.
Figure 14. Corrosion in the atmospheric zone.
Each pile was heavily corroded and there were perforations in the area be-
tween the splash zone and the underside of the concrete capping beam. All
of the holes were situated at the corners and webs of the out-pans in a
band of approximately 2.6 ft (0.8 m) under the capping beam. The steel of
the in-pan was only perforated in a few places, and remaining steel was on
average about half the original thickness, or approximately 0.4 in. (10
mm). The remaining steel was thick enough to dry weld reinforcing plates
to it. Small isolated holes were plugged with a special cement suitable for
the purpose.
Much backfill had fallen out. Larger stones remained in place. The scope of
work did not include refilling voids behind the piles, but the contractor in-
jected polyurethane foam in lieu of replacing backfill (Figure 15). After the
perforations were filled, the contractor filled the surface of the piles with
proprietary cement, as shown in Figure 16. At the conclusion of this work,
the piles (Figure 17) were watertight.
Figure 15. Polyurethane injection into voids behind piles above the waterline.
Figure 16. Application of proprietary cement to surface voids.

Figure 17. Remodeled corners prior to attaching doubling plates.
Either non-shrink grout or epoxy resin material was injected between the
doubling plate and the pile, which provided structural reinforcement. A
close fit between the doubling plates and piles reduced the amount of in-
jection material and associated costs. Appendix B has diagrams depicting
sheet pile wall repairs above the waterline.
The contractor prepared 100 plates 0.25 in. (6 mm) thick and 3.3 ft (1 m)
high to reconstruct 50 piles. Figure 18 shows the material staged at the
site. A local metal shop rolled the plates to fit the original pile as closely as
possible. A 3/8 in. (10 mm) hole was drilled in each plate to allow injection
of either non-shrink cement grout or epoxy resin in the gap between old
and new steel, shown in Figure 19. This was the reason why the perforated
piles needed to be made liquid-tight with cement grout or epoxy. Other-
wise, the material injected between the old and new steel would be lost be-
hind the old steel.
Figure 18. Doubling plates.
Figure 19. Drilling injection hole.
Two workers installed and tack-welded the plates with use of an inverter
welding set (welding rods), as shown in Figure 20. A third person finished
the welding with a semiautomatic welder using Lincoln Intershield 1.4 mm
wire (Figure 21).
Figure 20. Tack welding plates.
Figure 21. Continuous welding of plates.
After welding, the contractor injected the amine epoxy filler material into
any voids between old steel and the new doubling plates. The material pro-
tected the new steel from the back side. A spray hose was screwed into the
3/8 in. (9.5 mm) hole at the top of each plate, and epoxy was pumped in
until it discharged from the hole at the opposite side of the out-pan. The
holes were plugged with 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) bolts.
Following the repairs, surfaces were prepared for painting by abrasive

blasting. The limpet cofferdam served as a primary containment enclo-
sure. Forced ventilation and air pollution control equipment maintained
emissions within published standards.
2.2.6.2 Work below the waterline
2.2.6.2.1 Cofferdam deployment
The contractor used a 60-ton (55 metric ton) hydraulic crane from the
shore to hoist and position the cofferdam. If shore access had not been fea-
sible, the contractor could have used either a crane or gantry system
mounted on a barge.
Before deploying the cofferdam, the contractor scraped the sheet pile wall
with an excavator. After scraping the out-pans with a flat edge bucket, the
contractor welded a blade on the bucket that matched the contour of the
in-pans. This method reduced the time needed to clean the sheet pile and
removed barnacles that damage and interfere with the cofferdam seals.
2.2.6.2.2 Sheet pile wall repairs below waterline
After the limpet cofferdam was dewatered, water from the backside of the
piling immediately spouted from larger holes. Numerous holes of various
sizes and shapes were found throughout the sheet piles. Only after initial
cleaning did pinholes, such as those in Figure 22 appear. Water leaked out
of some interlocks and tie-rod anchor plates. All wet holes and leaks were
sealed watertight before repair plates were welded in place.
All leaks had to be sealed watertight before welding repair plates. The con-
tractor attempted various techniques including plugging with various ma-
terials, foam injection, and quick-setting cement. These methods were
time consuming and did not always provide satisfactory results. More in-
novative techniques eventually resulted in additional increases in produc-
tion and ultimate surface dryness.
Figure 22. Platform at–11.5 ft (–3.5 m) below surface a (left),

and pinhole leaks that appeared after initial surface preparation.
Two-inch (50 mm) diameter holes were found at –8 to –11 ft (–2.5 m and
–3.5 m). The location of most holes was on the out-pans of each pile, as
shown in Figure 23.
Figure 23. Example hole on out-pan.

These holes were likely made at the time of construction for tie rods. Sub-
sequently, the tie rods were installed on the in-pans, and the holes were
left open. Only a few perforations actually caused by corrosion were identi-
fied under the waterline. These holes were patch-welded with 8 x 8 x 0.25
in. plates (200 x 200 x 6 mm), as shown in Figure 24.
Figure 24. Example of a patch weld.
2.2.7 Surface preparation and cleaning
Surface preparation is the primary factor that determines coating effec-

tiveness. After repairs, the contractor cleaned steel surfaces to at least
SSPC-SP 10 (SSI-Sa2 ½, or NACE #2 (near white metal) and a surface
profile of at least 2.0 mil to 3.0 mil (50 µ to 75 µ). Cleaning must produce
surfaces that are structurally sound, free of dirt, dust, abrasives, grease,
oil, paint, etc.
High-pressure washing with tap water was used to remove salts. Adequate
forced ventilation provided dust control. Air pressure and clean brushes
were used to remove surface dust. The contractor measured soluble salts
and dust on prepared steel surfaces to ensure that the concentrations of
these contaminants are less than the levels allowed by the coating manu-
facturer.
Maximum allowable chloride concentrations and soluble salts were set by

the contractor at 60 mg/m² and 90 mg/m², respectively. The method for
determining these values is described in ISO 8502-6 and ISO 8502-9, re-
spectively. Admissible amount of dust was quality degree 3, class 2 per ISO
8502-3. A subjective absorbency test using cigarette paper was normally
sufficient for evaluating surface dryness. A surface temperature 5 °F (2 °C)
above the prevailing dew point was normally sufficient to prevent conden-
sation from forming.
2.2.8 Coating application
Prior to coating application, deep pits, voids and interlocks were filled with
the amine epoxy putty, a compatible variant of the demonstrated coating.
Deep pits can be seen in (Figure 25). If these are not filled, an air pocket
may form beneath the coating and may cause coating failure at the pit
(Figure 26). The interlocks between piles are caulked. To better ensure
uniform material thickness on difficult-to-coat areas, the contractor coated
all sharp edges with Humidur BAML, the brush-applied variant of the
amine epoxy coating system, and used the putty variant (Humidur P) to fill
gaps and deep surface irregularities (Figure 27) and Figure 28).
Figure 25. Deep pits in surface-prepared bare steel plating.

Figure 26. Holiday in coating formed over deep surface pit.
Figure 27. Z pile interlocks treated with Humidur putty and brush-applied variants.
Figure 28. Brush application of Humidur BAML on sharp edges before spray coating.
Painters have better control over the spray pattern when the coating tem-
perature is constant at the spray nozzle. The product used in this demon-
stration has the best spray performance when the temperature is 100 °F
(38 °C) at the nozzle. To achieve optimum spray performance at lower am-
bient temperatures, the coating was heated in a 104 °F (40 °C) bath. Spray
hoses were wrapped with heating cables and insulated.
The contractor applied the epoxy coating in accordance with the manufac-
turer’s instructions. The nominal recommended coating thickness is 16
mils (400 µ) on new steel. On heavily pitted steel, a nominal thickness of
24 mils (600µ) is recommended to adequately cover the peaks and valleys
of the rough surface. Pits, interlocks, and repair plates increase the actual
surface area to be coated. Therefore, the actual coverage rates can be lower
by more than 50% of the manufacturer’s nominal coverage rate. After ap-
plication, the inspector visually checked for holidays and measured wet
film thickness.
This two-component epoxy coating product can cure underwater. Immedi-

ately after application of the coating is completed, the contractor can flood
the cofferdam, hoist it out of the water, and repeat the sequence of work
further along the sheet pile wall. Figure 29 shows the sheet pile wall before
the task order (left) and after completion of the work (right).
Figure 29. Sheet pile wall before (left) and after renovation (right).
2.2.9 Containment
The cofferdam serves as a primary containment enclosure. As noted in sec-

tion 2.1.1. above, it helps to prevent visible emissions or releases of spent
materials, dust, or other debris into the environment. All debris that falls
to the bottom of the cofferdam can be collected for proper disposal. Each
day after work was complete, the cofferdam was slowly refilled with water.
The spent blast media and removed coatings and rust became packed as a
wet mass at the bottom of the enclosure. The cofferdam was then hoisted
slowly from the water to avoid washing any of the debris away and was
parked on the dock to finish draining overnight. Figure 30 shows how the
cofferdam was hoisted over the waste container and emptied manually
with shovels and brooms.
Figure 30. Emptying waste material collected in cofferdam.
2.2.10 Installation of reference panels
In order to monitor and test coating performance over time, the contractor
installed 24 panels on the underwater face of the sheet pile wall for expo-
sure. Figure 31 shows the contractor installing the reference panels as
work was completed for one section of the sheet pile wall.
Figure 31. Installation of reference panels.

The reference panels were approximately 3 x 9 in. (8 x 23 cm) and fabri-

cated of mild steel. Twelve panels were coated with the amine epoxy coat-
ing using the same process that was used to coat the sheet pile on the
seawall. The other twelve were installed untreated.
The contractor placed one coated and one untreated panel at level –3.2 ft
and –8 ft (–1.0 m and –2.5 m) of the in-pan between the following piles:
0–1, 7–8, 15–16, 31–32, 39–40, and 47–48. These locations are where cor-
rosion was found to be most aggressive. Figure 32 shows treated and un-
treated panels side by side.
Figure 32. Treated and untreated panels installed on sheet pile wall.
2.3 Performance monitoring

2.3.1 Limpet cofferdam performance
Efficient sealing is a critical design element of the limpet cofferdam. The

patented sealing system proved highly effective at water depths over 10 ft
(3 m). With one exception, deployment and dewatering occurred in less
than 30 minutes, without the use of divers.
The exception was due to an unforeseen condition; a sheet pile had been
driven out of its interlock with an adjacent pile. The limpet was unable to
seal the cofferdam between piles 22 and 26. A diving inspection revealed
that the interlock between piles 24 and 25 was open from –12 ft (–3.5 m)
down to the mud bottom. Pile 24 was standing out from the face of the
wall. The opening between the piles at the mud line was approximately 24
in. (60 cm). The backfill had washed out. The gap provided a direct con-
nection between the seawater and the inside of the cofferdam. The gap was
plugged temporarily under water until the contractor could dewater the
limpet cofferdam. The part of the gap that extended into the cofferdam
was plugged with cement. The defect originated at the time of construction
and was probably never noticed. Because of the low visibility under water,
it was not possible to document the defect with pictures or video.
2.3.2 Steel thickness measurements
Prior to coating, the inspector performed ultrasonic thickness measure-

ments of the piles. The test instrument was a calibrated Krautkrämer
DM4E. Before the work started, all sheet piles were numbered and marked
for reporting and monitoring purposes. At each of the 50 sheet piles, 42
measurements were taken at four surfaces: in-pan, out-pan and webs be-
tween level –3.25 and –13 ft (–1.0 m and –4.0 m) below the concrete cap.
Each of the 42 measurements was the average of four measurements in a 2

in. (5 cm) diameter area. In total, 2,100 average steel thicknesses were rec-
orded out of 8,400 measurements taken (Figure 33). Locations of deep
pits were also identified and measured using the gauge shown in (Figure
34).
Figure 33. Measuring steel thickness.

Figure 34. Measuring pit depth.
2.3.3 Bacteriological field investigation
A bacteriological field investigation was conducted using a suite of Biologi-

cal Activity Reaction Tests (BART *) described in Appendix C. This test
identifies the presence and type of various bacteria species. In this project,
the tests were selected and performed to detect the presence of various
bacteria linked to MIC in steel corrosion products and biofilms. The re-
sults of these tests indicate the presence of microbial life that can promote
MIC and contribute to degradation by ALWC.
2.3.4 Surface preparation coating
The coating manufacturer conducted quality-control tests of the surface

preparation in accordance with coating manufacturer’s specifications.
2.4 Follow-up inspections

2.4.1 Reference panels
After 6 months, the contractor removed three treated and three untreated
panels for inspection. After 11 months, the contractor removed and in-
spected six more panels. The remaining panels remain on the sheet pile
wall for long-term exposure analysis. The inspection included photographs
and evaluation per ASTM D 610, ASTM D 714, and ASTM E 1645. Results
are discussed in Chapter 3, section 3.1.
* BART is a trademark of LaMotte Co., Chestertown, MD.

2.4.2 Adhesion test
The inspector conducted one adhesion test at –6.5 ft (–2.0 m) on pile

number 46 with the pull-off adhesion tester shown in Figure 35. The coat-
ing was applied on 21 November 2008 and tested on 4 December 2008.
The dolly of the tester showed glue failure with a small amount of green
pigment from the surface of the coating because the amine epoxy had not
fully cured when tested. However, the coating did not detach. Full cure
time for amine epoxy coating is 3 weeks at 68 °F (20 °C). The results
shown in Figure 35 and Table 1 indicate very good coating adhesion.
Figure 35. Adhesion test.
Table 1. Adhesion test results, –2.0 m at Pile 46.

Dolly Location Reading psi (MPa) Failure
1 Out-pan 1740 (12.0) 100% glue
2 Out-pan 2045 (14.1) 100% glue
3 In-pan 1567 (10.8) 100% glue
2.5 Warranty
The manufacturer warrants performance of this coating for 10 years.
3 Discussion
3.1 Results
3.1.1 Steel thickness
Based on typical specifications for this type of sheet piling, original esti-
mated steel thickness at the in-pans and out-pans was 0.79 in. (20 mm).
Original estimated steel thickness at the webs was 0.59 in. (15 mm). Resid-
ual steel thicknesses were measured and sorted into three categories:
• Steel thickness more than 0.3 in. (8 mm) (1/3 of original thickness)
• Steel thickness 0.24–0.3 in. (6–8 mm)
• Steel thickness less than 0.24 in. (6 mm) and deeply pitted
Pit impact on residual steel thickness was accounted for by subtracting pit
depths that were measured using the gauge shown previously in Figure 34,
from ultrasonic thickness measurements of the surrounding steel.
3.1.1 Corrosion rates
Thickness measurements showed the average sheet pile thickness to be ap-

proximately 0.43 in (11 mm), with a 20% variance. This result corresponds
to an approximately 50% loss of the original steel having occurred uni-
formly. In terms of sheet pile life cycle, starting at time zero, the uniform
loss of steel corresponds to a minimum of 8 mil (0.2 mm) per year over a
50 year exposure. However, the data suggest that material loss occurred at
a rate much lower than 8 mil per year in earlier years, after which the cor-
rosion rate dramatically increased due to ALWC.
3.1.2 Corrosion profile
Maritime structure design has traditionally considered corrosion condi-

tions in distinct vertical zones in relation to the sea. These zones, and their
typical corrosion conditions and rates, are described below and illustrated
in Figure 36. The loss of steel from –3.25 to –8 ft (–1.00 m to –4.00 m)
was between 23% and 60%. Flanges on the in-pans and out-pans showed
15% – 25% more loss of steel than the webs. Pitting was prevalent from –
3.25 to –1 ft (–1.00 m to –2.50 m). On piles 13–26 and piles 32–50, pitting
corrosion extended to –8ft (–4.0 m).
Figure 36. Typical corrosion profile of steel pilings in ocean tidal water.
3.1.3 Atmospheric zone
The atmospheric zone extends from approximately 0 to –32 in. (0.0 m to

–0.8 m). The deterioration of the piles was clearly visible. Thick rust scales
were found on all surfaces of the profile (webs and flanges). Between –2
and –32 in. (–0.060 m and –0.80 m), steel was completely corroded away
on the water-side corners. Deep localized pitting was observed on the in-
pans. Piles were remodeled with cement and reconstructed with doubling
plates of 1 m high.
3.1.4 Splash zone
The splash zone extends from approximately –32 in. to –4 ft (–0.8 to –1.2
m) (mean high tide). The splash zone had general pitting with very small
perforations.
3.1.5 Tidal zone
The tidal zone extends from approximately elevations –4 ft (–1.2 m) at

mean high water to –7.2 ft (–2.2 m) at mean low water. Prior to cleaning,
the region between –40 in and –5 ft (–1 m and–1.5 m) appeared sound.
The sheet piles had little marine fouling, as seen in Figure 37. Below –5 ft
(–1.5 m) the piles were completely covered with shells and vegetation prior
to being scraped (Figure 38).
Figure 37. Tidal zone below –5 ft (–1.5 m).

Figure 38. Tidal zone below –5 ft (–1.5 m).
Cleaning revealed a thick layer of amorphous rust more than 0.4 in. (10
mm) thick. The thick rust layer was very difficult to remove. Between –5 ft
and –6.5 ft (–1.5 m and –2.0 m), the intact steel underneath was only
slightly pitted.
3.1.6 Low-water zone
The low-water zone extends from approximately –6.5 ft (–2.0 m) to at

least –13 ft (–4.0 m). The condition of the sheet pile wall was unknown
prior to deployment of the cofferdam. The thick layer of amorphous rust
extended from the tidal zone to the low-water zone. Between –6.5 ft and –
13 ft (–2.0 m and –4.0 m) the intact steel underneath was heavily pitted.
The unusual striations were parallel grooves running at 30 – 45 degrees
from the vertical. Some patterns cross each other symmetrically. The stria-
tions were likely a sign of MIC.
Bacteriological field investigation showed the presence of the bacteria as-

sociated with the corrosion damage. These types of bacteria are known to
promote corrosion of iron through reactions leading to the dissolution of
corrosion-resistant oxide films (passivation layer) on the metal surface.
Pits develop much faster than the general corrosion rate.
3.2 Follow-up inspection of treated areas

3.2.1 Inspection after 6 months
3.2.1.1 Sheet pile wall
The contractor inspected the sheet pile wall on 8 June 2009, 6 months af-
ter completion of work. Figure 39 shows the general condition of the sheet
pile wall and Figure 40 is a closer view.
Figure 39. General condition of sheet pile wall 6 months after renovation.
Figure 40. Closer view of completed work after 6 months.

Below is a summary of inspection results after 6 months:
• Degree of rusting (ASTM D610-08 Grade 10) was less than 0.01% of to-
tal surface.
• Degree of blistering (ASTM D714-02, Grade 10) was less than 0.01%.
From level 0 to –5 ft ( 0.0 m to –1.5 m), some pinholes and minor me-
chanical damage appeared. From –5 ft to approximately –10 ft (–1.5 m to
approximately –3.0 m), no defects were observed. Figure 41 shows exam-
ples of pinholes visible after cleaning (left) and a rust stain at Pile 23
(right). Appendix D is the 6-month inspection report.
Figure 41. Two small pinholes (left) and rust stain (right).
3.2.1.2 Reference panels
The contractor removed and inspected one treated and one untreated
panel from the following locations for a total of six panels: two on pile 8 at
elevation –8 ft (–2.5 m); two on pile 16 at elevation –40 in ( –1.0 m); one
coated panel on pile 32 at elevation –8 ft ( –2.5 m) and one uncoated
panel on pile 32 at elevation –10 ft (–3.0 m).
Test and evaluation report for these panels is in Appendix E. The panels
were in excellent condition and showed no sign of rust or blistering. After
field inspection, the panels were sent for laboratory assessment.
3.2.2 Inspection after 11 months
3.2.2.1 Sheet pile wall
The contractor inspected the sheet pile wall on 6 December 2009, 11

months after completion of work. Below is a summary of inspection results
after 11 months.
• Degree of rusting (ASTM D610-08 Grade 10) was less than 0.01% of to-
tal surface.
• Degree of blistering (ASTM D714-02, Grade 10) was less than 0.01%.
Appendix F is an evaluation of the coating condition after 11 months. All

pinholes and mechanical damage observed during the 6-month inspection
have been repaired.
3.2.2.2 Reference panels
The contractor removed and inspected one treated and one untreated
panel from the same three locations (six panels) indicated above in section
3.2.1.2).
The panels were in excellent condition and showed no sign of rust or blis-
tering. After field inspection, the panels were sent to the company’s labor-
atory.
3.3 Lessons learned

Costs for this type of work are a direct function of project duration. The
major factors that impacted this project’s duration included the sealing ef-
ficiency of the limpet and the extent of necessary sheet pile repairs.
The extent of repairs had significant impact on estimated project costs and
duration. The condition of the sheet pile wall was difficult to ascertain be-
fore deploying the limpet. An accurate method of estimating repair costs
was not available until inspectors had access to the limpet. The following
conditions were not known until after the project began:
• Extent of the thick, amorphous rust in the tidal and low water zones
• A split between piles 24 and 25 near the mud bottom (see next section)
• Size and location of leaks and holes
• Amount of backfill loss from behind the existing sheet pile wall
3.3.1 Limpet sealing process and sheet pile leak repair
With one exception, deployment and dewatering of the limpet was com-
pleted in 30 minutes or less without the use of divers. The exception was a
previously unknown problem: a sheet pile had been driven out of its inter-
lock with an adjacent pile. A 24 in. (60 cm) gap between adjacent piles be-
low the waterline had to be repaired and sealed. This situation increased
project duration approximately 10 hours and required the use of a dive
team.
Some methods used to seal wet holes proved to be time-consuming and in-
itially stalled work progress. The results often allowed some continuing
water seepage, which can cause premature coating failure. Leak-sealing
methods included plugging holes with various materials such as foam, oa-
kum, quick-setting cements, and fast-curing epoxy. A special cement was
used for sealing leaks at tie-rod backing plates, pile interlocks, and small
pinholes. As techniques for sealing leaks improved, the time to seal leaks
decreased from an average of more than 4 hours per hole to less than 30
minutes per hole. The final result of an effective repair was a completely
dry surface.
A unit price for large sheet pile repairs was difficult to establish at the on-
set of the project. Techniques and costs naturally vary according to steel
geometry and location. Repairs at corners and other nonplanar surfaces
required more effort than on flat surfaces. Reinforcing plates had to be
formed to fit bends in the piles at in-pans and out-pans.
3.3.2 Surface cleaning issues
A 0.4 in. (10 mm) thick layer of amorphous rust was found after work be-
gan. Removing the rust layer increased surface preparation time 2–3
hours per pile. The steel beneath this layer was found to be pitted.
This work was fatiguing and had a significant impact on crew productivity.
Initial progress was slow. The duration of project work for one setup en-
compassing four piles took approximately 3 days. Progress accelerated as
the crew gained experience, increasing surface cleaning to approximately
2.5 days per setup. An increase in crew size to improve the cleaning rate
could not be considered because it was outside the scope of the contract.
In retrospect, progress may have been faster using ultra-high-pressure wa-

ter blasting 29,000 psi (2,000 bar), but the need for this type of equip-
ment was not foreseen, and it was not available on the island of Okinawa.
3.3.3 Coating application
Pinholes appeared in the coating over areas of severe pitting. Air trapped
under the coating expands during the curing process and forms a bubble.
When the bubble bursts, coating integrity may be lost. The contractor
filled most deep pits and voids with a brushable or a putty variant of the
amine epoxy coating, but some pits were missed. These small defects are
difficult to detect during coating applications. They were repaired during
the 11-month inspection (see Appendix F).
4 Economic Analysis
4.1 Costs and assumptions
Total project costs for this CPC project are broken down in Table 2, and
the costs for the field demonstration and validation are shown in Table 3.
Table 2. Breakdown of total dem/val project costs.

Description Amount, $K
Labor 307.3
Contract for Field Demonstration 467.7
Travel 70
Reporting 20
Air Force and Navy participation 10
Total 875
Table 3. Field demonstration costs.

Item Description Amount, $K
1 Labor for project management and execution 24.3
2 Travel for project management and execution 14.9
3 Subcontract for painting and portable 428.5
cofferdam
Total 467.7
Table 4 shows the actual costs of repair, surface preparation, and coating
applications for 133 linear feet steel sheet pile wall in bad to poor condi-
tion. The $362,122 total cost does not include fixed costs, including mobi-
lization and demobilization of equipment, which can be disproportionately
high for a small job such as the amount of steel rehabilitated in this pro-
ject. Other costs such as travel and per diem will vary significantly depend-
ing on project location.
Table 4. Breakdown of actual costs of repairs and coating application.

No. Unit Extension
Description Units Unit Cost ($) ($)
Time to complete the work: Labor and
equipment to remove amorphous rust 6 Day 7,724 46,344
and solve an interlock failure.
Structural repairs: Fit, install, and weld
doubling plates 40 x 20 x 1/4 in., bent 50 piles 2,642 132,100
to fit contour of piling.
Repair holes below waterline:
Seal holes watertight. Fit, install and 88 plates 636 55,968
weld patch plates over wet holes, 8 x 8
x 1/4 in.
Final surface preparation, inspection
and coating application. Included extra 2900 ft2 44.04 127.710
time for scale removal
Actual costs 362,122
The contractor also noted that the costs to remove the thick layers of
amorphous rust and repairing the complete upper part with doubling
plates are almost twice the cost of inspection and coating.
4.1.1 General assumptions
A stretch of steel sheet pile wall in bad to poor condition measuring 133
linear feet was repaired and coated under this project. The actual cost, not
considering mobilization and travel/per diem costs, is approximately
$2,723 per linear foot. Including those costs, the cost per linear foot
amounts to $3,698. In other words, the mobilization and travel costs rep-
resented for this dem/val project are approximately $1,000 per linear foot.
The cost to inspect and coat the same sheet piling in fair condition with
minor repairs could be as little as half the costs encountered for this pro-
ject ($1849/ft). Table 5 projects the relative cost (where 1 is equivalent to
$1849/ft) to renovate sheet pile walls in various conditions.
Since no actual cost figures for the original installation of the steel piles
were available, several assumptions were required to develop the baseline
cost for calculating the project. First, the midrange estimate ($7,750/lin-
ear foot) in section 4.3.1 to install new Z piling over 50 feet in length was
applied to baseline installation costs. Second, the midrange estimate (15%
of installation cost [$1162.50/linear foot]) from section 4.3.1 was used for
the initial cost of engineering, design, geological surveys, and other profes-
sional services. This resulted in baseline cost of $8912.50 per linear foot.
A 25-year service life is used for both the uncoated steel pilings and for the
coating system. The replacement cost in Year 27 is the cost of repairing
and coating a structure in fair condition, which is assumed to be
$1850/linear foot (50% of the initial costs of the Port Naha project).
Table 5. Relative costs to renovate sheet pile walls in various conditions.

Sheet pile wall Welding Relative Expected Additional
Condition Requirement Cost Service Life
Good – Excellent Minimal 0.9 – 1.4 25 – 50 years
Fair – Good Minor 1.3 – 1.8 25 – 50 years
Poor – Fair Moderate 1.8 – 2.0 Please see Section 4.1.4
below
Bad – Poor Substantial > 2.0
4.1.2 Alternative 1 (Baseline Scenario)
A new 2,000 linear feet long seawall using uncoated steel was installed in
Year 2 at a cost of $8,912.50 per linear foot, for a total cost of
$17,825,000.00. With an estimated service life of 25 years, a new wall
would have to be installed in Year 27. Typically, no maintenance or other
work would be done on these steel sheet pilings in the interim. These costs
are included in the Baseline Costs column of the ROI spreadsheet (Table
6).
4.1.3 Alternative 2 (Demonstrated Technology)
A 500-foot long sheet pile wall section in bad to poor condition is coated in
Year 2 at a cost of $3,700 per linear foot (two times the base of $1,850.00
per linear foot for the existing bad to poor condition) for a total cost of
$1,850,000. ($875,000, the Investment Required, was expended to repair
133 linear feet in Year 1 as a proof of the technology.) A second 500-foot
section in poor to fair condition would be coated in Year 3 at a cost of
$1,757,500 ($3,515 per linear foot times 500 feet). A third 500-foot section
in fair to good condition would be coated in Year 4 at a cost of $1,387,500
($2,775 per linear foot times 500 feet). A final 500-foot section in good to
excellent would be coated in Year 5 at a cost of $925,000 ($1,850 per lin-
ear foot times 500 feet). In each case the coating would increase the ex-
pected service life up to 25 years. A recoating cycle would begin again
starting in Year 27 through Year 30. However, given the extent of the re-
pairs completed 25 years before, the condition of the sheet piles walls is
assumed to be in the fair to good condition for each case. Recoating is,
therefore, calculated at $2,775 per linear foot, for a total of $1,387,500. All
of these costs are included in the New System Costs column in Table 6, be-
low.
4.2 Projected return on investment

The ROI for this technology demonstration was computed using methods
prescribed by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-94,
Guidelines and Discount Rates for Benefit-Cost Analysis of Federal Pro-
grams (OMB 1992). Comparing the costs and benefits of the two alterna-
tives, the 30-year ROI after implementing the new technology (Alternative
2) is projected to be 14.70 as shown in Table 6. This ROI, for rehabilitating
and extending the service life of 2,000 ft of sheet pile, is considered con-
servative since the DoD has many miles of uncoated sheet pile walls in ser-
vice at its waterfront facilities, which could benefit by the application of
this technology.
Table 6. ROI calculation for steel pilings in poor condition before repair and coating.
The original Project Management Plan (PMP) estimated an ROI of 11.85.

The higher ROI of 14.70 is due to several factors. The lower initial installa-
tion cost estimate ($8,912.50 versus $33,835.00 per linear foot) than pre-
sumed in the PMP is based on a more realistic assumption for project
size—2,000 linear feet of wall versus the 133 liner feet on which the
demonstrated technology was used in this CPC project. Also contributing
to the increase in the final calculated return is the longer calculated service
life of 25 years than the originally service life of 12 years assumed in the
PMP.
4.3 Supplemental economic and life-cycle cost information

4.3.1 Baseline configuration
When annual cost variables can be projected with some accuracy, all alter-
natives for sheet pile wall construction and repair can be estimated and
compared with each other. When one or more variables cannot be pro-
jected with accuracy, comparisons can best be drawn against a baseline
configuration that represents a typical sheet pile wall application with

known costs and service life. For this project, the baseline condition is a
steel sheet pile wall installed with no protective coatings or cathodic pro-
tection and no maintenance before the time of repair or replacement. The
annual cost of a steel sheet pile wall can be calculated using the following
formula:
Annual baseline cost = P [ i*(1+i)n / (1+i)n – 1] (1)
where
P = installation cost, in dollars per linear foot

n = lifetime, in years
i = time value of money at Year 0, in percent
This formula assumes that there will be no salvage value at the end of the
structure’s functional service life (Kumar and Stephenson 2005).
The initial installation cost is the initial expenditure for the wall, and it
should include the material costs, transportation costs, and onsite han-
dling and pile-driving costs. For a sheet pile wall, it is customary to include
the cost of anchors, tie rods, and wales as well as excavation and backfill-
ing costs.
Estimates of the cost to install new Z piling over 50 ft in length during the
first quarter of 2009 range from $6,500 to $ 9,000 per linear foot. * This is
an estimate of installation cost only, excluding mobilization and inspec-
tions. Additional costs for engineering, design, geological surveys, and
other professional services may range from 10%–20% of the installation
cost. The design engineer should also include the additional cost to make
civil infrastructure repairs on the land side. For the ROI calculations, the
midrange of installation and additional initial costs is used ($7,750 per lin-
ear foot and 15% of installation cost, respectively).
* (a) NAVFAC Solicitation N40085, Repairs to W306 and W305 Bulkhead at Naval Station, Norfolk, VA,
average of line item 0001H price; (b) Port of Seattle Memorandum dated Jan. 13,. 2009; (c), J. Berry,
“Unsafe Harbor Restricts Access,” Cape Cod Times, April. 24, 2009, p. 1(d) NAVFAC Solicitation
N6945009R1259, Design and Construction for P999 Warf Alpha Improvements at Naval Station May-
port, FL. Fifty percent of project value is estimated to replace of 900 ft of sheet piling.
4.3.2 Cost evaluation of repair systems to extend sheet pile wall life
Price data from the open market are not available or sufficient for calculat-
ing costs. In the absence of cost data, project design engineers need tools
to evaluate the benefit/cost ratio of repair techniques with a limpet coffer-
dam in comparison with other methods. A 1967 Naval Facilities Engineer-
ing Command (NAVFAC) report includes a method for making
comparisons when cost data are not available (Fettig and Jones 1967). The
typical service life of steel sheet pile wall in a marine environment is 30–
40 years. “The end of lifetime is defined by any one of the following three
conditions: (1) collapse or buckling of a significant portion of the sheet pile
wall; (2) gross loss of backfill through holes in the sheet pile wall; (3) or
frequent and expensive maintenance to keep the sheet pile wall in service”
(Fettig and Jones 1967).
A sheet pile wall deteriorates unevenly. The area from slightly below the
tidal zone to the splash zone may approach failure while the top and bot-
tom of the sheet pile wall are still serviceable. Steel piling driven below the
mud line, which is not corroded, can be a very strong foundation for addi-
tional construction. Repair methods that use this noncorroded steel as a
basic part of a life-extension system can be applied near the end of the
normal service life.
A formula for determining how much can be spent at the end of the nor-
mal service life to extend it by some period of years is
P*[ i*(1+i)n+y / ((1+i)n+y – 1)] + L*[ 1 / (1+i)n ] * P*

[ i*(1+i)n / (1+i)n – 1] ≤ P [ i*(1+i)n / (1+i)n – 1] (2)
where L equals maximum investment (dollars per linear foot) in renova-

tion of wall at the end of n years, which will extend the life of the wall by y
years; and n, i, and P are as defined in formula 1).
Inspections performed 15 years after a 1984–1985 in situ treatment with

the same amine epoxy coating used in this CPC demonstration indicate
that “the lifetime of the sheet piling will last for another 15 years and thus
may be estimated to be at least 30 years” (see Appendix G). The project de-
sign engineer should request independent inspection reports of completed
projects and verify claims. With competent persons (defined contractually)
executing a project, the design engineer should expect that renovation will
extend the service life of a treated steel sheet pile wall by at least 30 years.
4.3.3 Annual life-cycle cost savings
The annual life-cycle cost savings as a function of renovation cost, original

service life, and additional years of service life are compared in Table 7.
The life-cycle cost comparisons in Table 7 use $5,500 per linear foot for in-
itial installation cost (P).
Table 7. Life cycle cost comparisons to evaluate when

renovation costs can justify service life extension.
When structures are treated in situ before the onset of heavy corrosion, the
renovation investment is much lower. Conclusions from Table 7A are that
design engineers can easily achieve an additional 30 years of service life
and a 10%–20% reduction in life-cycle costs. One issue in implementing
early sheet pile inspection and renovation projects is that port owners, us-
ers, and stakeholders may be reluctant to interrupt mission activities and
associated economic activity. However, a qualified engineering and eco-
nomics analysis can demonstrate the benefits of proactive sheet pile
maintenance and coating, particularly where significant portions of the

seawall are approaching failure.
Based on Table 7D, it can be determined that approximately 50% of the

original installation cost can be spent for 10 more years of life if the origi-
nal service life of the structure was less than 30 years.
5 Conclusions and Recommendations

5.1 Conclusions
This dem/val project successfully demonstrated that the use of a limpet
cofferdam, deployed and operated by qualified onsite personnel, can cre-
ate a dry and safe subsurface workspace where crews can effectively reha-
bilitate and coat badly corroded steel sheet piles to a high standard of
quality. Limpet deployment and dewatering was completed in 30 minutes
or less in all locations but one, where a 24 in. (60 cm) gap between two
piles had opened during the original construction. Once the limpet had
been dewatered, leaks from the sheet pile into the limpet were sealed in 5–
30 minutes depending on the leak size, location, and amount of flowing
water.
The use of a high-performance amine epoxy coating, specially developed

for this type of underwater corrosion protection, was readily sprayable at
low temperatures and it fully cured under water as expected. The demon-
strated high-build coating has a documented service life of 25–30 years
both above and below the waterline.
Repairs of leaks and large perforations of the sheet pile structure cost 2–3
times more than the cost of final surface preparation, inspection, and coat-
ing work. A critical repair-related cost on this type of project is the labor-
intensive removal of a thick layer of corrosion products so sheet pile condi-
tion can be directly assessed. These costs were relevant to this project
since the selected section of wall was highly deteriorated after many years
in service with no significant maintenance or repair.
An inherent limitation on any project of this type is that actual sheet pile
wall conditions below the water line are difficult to ascertain before work
begins. Early inspection by divers may provide valuable information, but it
is also costly and produces a relatively small sample of data for extrapola-
tion to a larger assessment. The true structural condition of the steel on
this project was not known until all corrosion products were removed over
a large area in the dry conditions of the limpet, and this is a limitation in-
herent in any method of subsurface structural rehabilitation.
The project inspector was able to perform all standard corrosion measure-
ments of subsurface materials with no difficulty. Additionally, the inspec-
tor was able to collect and preserve biological samples and perform
laboratory analysis in order to determine the root cause of the corrosion
mechanism.
Corrosion patterns and bacteriological field tests showed the presence of

three micro-organisms associated with the underwater corrosion damage,
as listed below:
• Sulfur-reducing bacteria, which are anaerobic microbes that produce

highly corrosive substances
• Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, which can use sulfur compounds produced
by SRB if oxygen or other electron acceptors like Fe3+ or NO3– are
available to sulfuric acid
• Metal-reducing bacteria, which form films that may produce concen-
tration corrosion cells on steel surfaces
These types of bacteria are known to promote corrosion of iron through re-
actions leading to the dissolution of corrosion-resistant oxide passivation
layers on the metal surface. Pits grow at a much higher rate than the gen-
eral corrosion rate. MIC rates can exceed 20 mil (0.5 mm) per year, creat-
ing conditions that can lead to accelerated structural failure.
5.2 Recommendations
5.2.1 Applicability
The limpet cofferdam and corrosion-resistant, rapid-cure epoxy coating

should be considered by project managers to support a durable and time-
efficient rehabilitation of a deteriorated steel pile structure. The combina-
tion of limpet technology and single-coat high-build amine epoxy coating
may also be applicable for optimizing inspection and sustainment of steel
surfaces below water while minimizing disturbances to harbor activities
and the environment.
Before planning and committing to the use of a limpet in a sheet pile reha-
bilitation project, the stakeholders should conduct a thorough site assess-
ment and prepare a preliminary cost basis for repairs.
Initial Site Assessment. An initial onsite visit is highly advisable for a

feasibility analysis, site conditions, cost estimates, and verification of de-
sign details. Site assessment is a general inspection that may impact de-
sign or deployment of a limpet. The design engineer may obtain site data
directly from the project owner and project documents, and then verify the
information with an onsite investigation. When available, the design engi-
neer should review prior inspection documents.
When prior inspection documents are not available, the design engineer
should consider include a Level I (cursory) inspection over the entire sheet
pile wall and a Level II (standard) inspection over a statistically significant
representation of sheet pile wall that has been equally exposed to similar
conditions.
The design engineer should record obvious major damage or deterioration

due to overstress (collisions, ice), severe corrosion, or extensive biological
growth attack. A thorough assessment should include the information
listed below:
• Describe and measure the extent of marine fouling and corrosion.

• Confirm water levels, depths, and currents.
• Sound the mud bottom to locate any submerged obstructions.
• Confirm type and length of the sheet pile.
• Confirm geometric measurements of whales, caps, fendering systems,
and other appurtenances.
• Evaluate site accessibility from both the shore and the water.
• Locate and identify any potentially hazardous materials.
• Locate and identify potential obstructions.
Site assessment data provides essential information to evaluate the follow-

ing critical factors:
• Feasibility of deploying a limpet

• Limpet design and cost
• Initial estimate of equipment, labor, and material requirements to ren-
ovate the sheet pile wall
Preliminary Cost Baseline Estimate. Actual sheet pile wall condi-

tions are difficult to ascertain before work begins. Contracting officers
should define a baseline for repair specifications against which contractors
can bid. See Chapter 4, section 4.3, for a discussion of developing a base-
line for estimating project costs.
5.2.2 Implementation
This report provides supporting rationale for recommending in situ coat-

ing as a method for inclusion in the Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) for
Maintenance of Waterfront Facilities (UFC 4-150-07). This UFC describes
various methods to repair and maintain underwater steel structures that
suffer ALWC. Appendix H proposes language for revisions UFC 4-150-07
for the purpose of incorporating the demonstrated technologies.
Limpet dams are not mass-produced, but are basically one-of-a-kind

structures. Being highly specialized equipment, they must be designed and
assembled with careful attention to worker safety and environmental pro-
tection. Therefore, a limpet is not an item that most construction contrac-
tors could readily design and fabricate after a contract award. A poorly
designed and constructed structure may not seal properly, posing unac-
ceptable safety and environmental risks that could lead to work delays and
very low productivity. If the use of a limpet dam is shown to be the most
economical means for completing underwater sheet pile rehabilitation,
then selecting a qualified contractor with proper equipment and docu-
mented experience is recommended.
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15, “Contracting by Negotia-

tion,” Subpart 15.3, “Source Selection,” prescribes policies and procedures
for selection of a source or sources in competitive negotiated acquisitions.
These rules are implemented by DoD in the corresponding Defense Fed-
eral Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 215, Subpart 215.3
on source selection. The objective of source selection is to select the pro-
posal that represents the best value for the government. Contracting by ne-
gotiation allows flexibilities in awarding a contract to satisfy an unusual or
highly demanding scope of work. The contracting officer may engage in
discussions with offerors and, in evaluating proposals, may also consider
non-cost factors such as managerial experience, technical approach, his-
torical data, and past performance. Appendix I presents a proposed synop-
sis for Requests for Proposals and Solicitations that require the use of a
limpet. It includes special clauses that contracting officers may consider
for solicitation documents. The synopsis includes provisions whereby offe-
rors of limpet technology can protect applicable proprietary and patented
intellectual property.
References
29 CFR Chapter XVII, Part 1926. “Safety and Health Regulations for Construction.”
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PA: ASTM International.
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ASTM D714. “Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Blistering of Paints.” West
Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.
ASTM E1645. “Standard Practice for Preparation of Dried Paint Samples by Hotplate or
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“Source Selection.” Washington, DC: U.S. Government.
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ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 A1
Appendix A: Technical Data Sheets for

Humidur Coating Products
[This page intentionally blank.]

ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 B1
Appendix B: Diagram of Sheet Pile Wall

Repair Above Waterline
ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 B2
ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 C1
Appendix C: Bacteriological Test Methods to

Identify Causes of Corrosion

ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 D1
Appendix D: Evaluation of Coating Condition

After 6 Months
ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 E1
Appendix E: Evaluation of Exposure Panels

After 6 Months

ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 F1
Appendix F: Evaluation of Coating Condition

After 11 Months

ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 G1
Appendix G: In Situ Inspection of Past

Humidur Application After 24 Years
ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 H1
Appendix H: Proposed Changes to UFC 4-150-07

The following text proposes revisions to UFC 4-150-07, Maintenance and
Operation: Maintenance of Waterfront Facilities, that will facilitate DoD-
wide implementation of the demonstrated technologies.
Chapter 3, “Materials and Preventive Maintenance”

• Add a description of accelerated low water corrosion and microbial-in-
fluenced corrosion to the discussion on deterioration of steel. Appen-
dix (A) provides background information on accelerated low water
corrosion (ALWC).
• Add a new paragraph to include coating new steel sheet piling in-situ
from a limpet cofferdam when a platform or pier will be installed over-
head. The additional costs to installation will extend the service life of
the steel bulkhead or/tie-back wall and reduce the life cycle mainte-
nance costs.
• Add a coating system that universally stops corrosion from underwater
to above the splash zone and is compatible with cathodic protection.
Chapter 5, “Inspection of steel sheet pile walls”

Add a new Level IV inspection that includes the following tasks. The addi-
tional tasks will enable corrosion engineers and scientists to conduct root
cause analysis of the corrosion mechanism(s).
• Inspections from a limpet cofferdam without requiring the use of a dive

team
• Abrasive blast cleaning to SSPC 10 to reveal pin holes.
• Identify location, size and frequency of all holes to clearly identify
scope of repairs.
• Record periodic steel thickness measurements every 30 cm horizon-
tally and vertically at 5 meter intervals to clearly identify corrosion
zones and scope of repairs.
• Collect physical samples of corrosion products and backfill behind
holes to determine the whether corrosion originates from the land side
or the water side.
• Conduct field tests for bacteria known to cause deterioration of steel
• Visually inspect tieback systems
• Add provisions to repair and protect the sheet pile wall against corro-
sion concurrent with the inspection to increase the value of the eco-
nomic investment (see two phase project below).
• Add provisions to conduct torsion and tension tests every five meters.
Replace tieback rods and bolts that fail. Replace tieback rods and bolts
that fail.
Chapter 8, “Repair of Steel Structures”

SR-12 (Proposed):
Problem: Slight to moderate deterioration (less than 35 percent of cross

sectional area) or damage has occurred to a steel sheet piling wall. Moder-
ate to heavy deterioration (greater than 35 percent) or damage has oc-
curred and holes have formed from approximately 2.0 meters below mean
low water to the top of the sheet piling.
Description of repairs: Deploy a limpet cofferdam and dewater. Re-

move all marine growth, coating products, deteriorated steel and rust.
Abrasive blast clean to SSPC-10 prior to inspection, weld repairs and coat-
ing. Use 3/8 inch ASTM A36 carbon structural steel for repairs. All weld-
ing shall be in accordance with AWS D1.1/D1.1M, Structural Welding
Code, latest edition. All holes must be sealed watertight and the surface
must be dry prior to welding repair plates. Weld reinforcing plates on steel
less than 50% of original thickness, or as directed. Prior to coating applica-
tion, inspect surface per coating manufacturer’s quality control instruc-
tions. Fill voids with putty, stripe coat sharp edges, and apply coating.
Provisional work: Conduct Level IV inspection.
Coating system (from submerged to zone to top of sheet piling):

Underwater cure, two-component, 100% solid liquid polyamine epoxy: 1
coat 600 µm to 1,000 µm DFT. Fill voids with compatible putty variant
and stripe coat sharp edges with compatible variant prior to coating.
Application: This method can be used as a repair or as a protection

technique to prevent further corrosion. This method will stop the loss of
backfill through the existing steel sheet piling wall. This method should
restore most of the bearing capacity lost by the deterioration of the steel
cross section. Where overhead obstructions impede overhead access of lift-
ing equipment, this method may require economic evaluation.
Future inspection requirement: Normal inspection requirements

should suffice. If inspection is from a limpet cofferdam, an inspection after
6 years and thereafter at 10 – 15 year intervals should suffice.
Special skill requirements: Work from a limpet cofferdam involves

skills common to pile driving and ship painting. Work requires a compe-
tent person with training, experience, and knowledge of design, assembly,
deployment and work from a limpet cofferdam.

ERDC/CERL TR-17-35 I1
Appendix I: Proposed Synopsis for

Negotiated Procurement
Form Approved
REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE OMB No. 0704-0188
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data needed, and completing and reviewing this collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing
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1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) 2. REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED (From - To)
September 2017 Final
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER
In-Situ Subsurface Coating of Corroded Steel Sheet Pile Structures: Final Report on Project
F08-AR06 5b. GRANT NUMBER
5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER

DoD Corrosion Prevention and Control
6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER
Alfred D. Beitelman, Richard G. Lampo, Lawrence Clark, Dave Butler, Eric Van Draege, and F08-AR06
David Rozène 5e. TASK NUMBER
5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER
7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT

U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) NUMBER
Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) ERDC/CERL TR-17-35
PO Box 9005
Champaign, IL 61826-9005
9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S)

Office of the Secretary of Defense (OUSD(AT&L)) OUSD(AT&L)
3090 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-3090 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT
NUMBER(S)
12. DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
14. ABSTRACT
The Department of Defense (DoD) spends over $100 million annually maintaining and repairing waterfront infrastructure, including cor-
roded steel sheet pile structures located in warm, salt-water immersion and areas susceptible to accelerated low-water corrosion. Once de-
signed as temporary structures, many now support permanent requirements and must be repaired in place. Conventional underwater repair
and coating operations are accomplished by specialized divers at very high cost. This project investigated a cost-saving emerging technol-
ogy called a limpet cofferdam, which is readily positioned below the waterline to provide workshop-like conditions for repair technicians,
and is rapidly movable along submerged sheet pile structures. Also demonstrated was a highly durable, single-coat amine epoxy system that
fully cures in immersion.
Limpet deployment and dewatering was completed in 30 minutes or less, and leaks into the workspace through damaged sheet pile were
sealed in 5–30 minutes, depending on perforation size and other variables. The coating was found to be readily sprayable with only minimal
pinholing, and fully cured under water. Literature indicates that this coating can be expected to have a 25–30 year service life. The calcu-
lated return on investment for these technologies is 14.70, with higher potential return when planning includes the recommended site-as-
sessment methods.
15. SUBJECT TERMS
Corrosion and anti-corrosives; Steel–Corrosion; Waterfronts–Maintenance and repair; Seawater corrosion; Protective coatings; Cofferdams;
Limpet cofferdams
16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION 18. NUMBER 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON
OF ABSTRACT OF PAGES
a. REPORT b. ABSTRACT c. THIS PAGE 19b. TELEPHONE NUMBER
Unclassified Unclassified Unclassified (include area code)
UU 139
Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98)

Prescribed by ANSI Std. 239.18

In-Situ Subsurface Coating of Corroded Steel Sheet Pile Structures

Uploaded by

In-Situ Subsurface Coating of Corroded Steel Sheet Pile Structures

Uploaded by

ERDC/CERL TR-17-35

DoD Corrosion Prevention and Control Program

In-Situ Subsurface Coating of Corroded Steel

Alfred D. Beitelman, Richard G. Lampo, Lawrence Clark, September 2017

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

In-Situ Subsurface Coating of Corroded Steel

Alfred D. Beitelman and Richard G. Lampo

Lawrence Clark and Dave Butler

Eric Van Draege and David Rozène

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Prepared for Office of the Secretary of Defense (OUSD(AT&L))

Limpet deployment and dewatering was completed in 30 minutes or less,

Figures and Tables ..................................................................................................................vi

Unit Conversion Factors ........................................................................................................ ix

2 Technical Investigation ................................................................................................... 6

3.1.1 Corrosion rates .......................................................................................................... 38

4 Economic Analysis ......................................................................................................... 47

5 Conclusions and Recommendations ........................................................................... 56

Appendix A: Technical Data Sheets for Humidur Coating Products ...............................A1

Appendix B: Diagram of Sheet Pile Wall Repair Above Waterline ................................. B1

Appendix C: Bacteriological Test Methods to Identify Causes of Corrosion .................C1

Appendix D: Evaluation of Coating Condition After 6 Months ....................................... D1

Appendix E: Evaluation of Exposure Panels After 6 Months ........................................... E1

Appendix F: Evaluation of Coating Condition After 11 Months ...................................... F1

Appendix G: In Situ Inspection of Past Humidur Application After 24 Years ............... G1

Appendix H: Proposed Changes to UFC 4-150-07 ........................................................... H1

Appendix I: Proposed Synopsis for Negotiated Procurement .......................................... I1

Report Documentation Page

Figures and Tables

Figure 33. Measuring steel thickness.......................................................................................35

The work was performed by the Engineering and Materials Branch

Daniel Zrna, Department of Public Works, Torii Station, Okinawa, is grate-

Unit Conversion Factors

feet 0.3048 meters

gallons (U.S. liquid) 3.785412 E-03 cubic meters

inches 0.0254 meters

mils 0.0254 millimeters

square feet 0.09290304 square meters

[This page intentionally blank]

The destructive impacts of ALWC have become more well understood in

The port of Naha, Okinawa, operated by Torii Station, U. S. Army Garrison

• a movable limpet cofferdam to efficiently provide a dry subsurface en-

During the course of the project, several secondary objectives emerged to

• Effective recommendations for evaluating the structural condition and

• Recommendations for thorough initial site assessment, including tests

Surface preparation was closely evaluated given its critical importance to

1. Determine the capability of the cofferdam structure to provide a dry

Structural inspections conformed to the following standards:

Weld repairs and procedures conformed to the following specifications:

Surface preparation and coating conformed to the manufacturer’s specifi-

The limpet cofferdam is a highly specialized technology in terms of system

Limpets * are normally manufactured and operated by contracting firms

• Provides excellent access to critical areas of piles irrespective of tide

• True structural condition can be directly perceived and assessed with-

• Assemble and deploy the limpet with little or no modification within

Onsite personnel with requisite limpet technical and application experi-

2.1.2 Selected coating

A 24 mil (600µ) coating of high-performance marine epoxy is an effective

• Excellent chemical, abrasion and impact resistance

• Standard spray equipment can apply a single coat up to 40 mils

2.1.3 Site description

Figure 2. Sheet pile wall at Port Naha, Okinawa, Japan.

Figure 3. Earlier repairs to sheet pile wall.

• Adequate access to the site location (either from shore or water)

2.1.4 Health and safety

No safety and occupational health standards refer specifically to portable

2.1.5 Environmental compliance

Discharge of pollutants into the port is prohibited. The cofferdam served

• abrasive blasting and other surface-preparation operations

2.2 Field work

2.2.1.1 Heavy equipment

2.2.1.2 Small equipment

• Electric power generator

2.2.1.3 Secure storage areas

Secure storage was provided for the following items:

• onsite office and sanitary facilities