Civil and Building Engineering.

Steel pipes exposed to a corrosive environment can be damaged severely.

Designs must address two conditions: corrosive water in natural soil deposits and structures in sea water. A soil investigation must determine the character of the water. If the water is found to be corrosive, the engineer may provide extra wall thickness to allow for an amount of loss of metal throughout the life of the structure or may provide a coating for the piles. Several types of coatings or wraps may be used but, in any case, the engineer must be assured by preparing appropriate specifications that the installation of the piles does not damage the coating or wrap.

Steel piles that support waterfront or offshore structures in the oceans must be protected against corrosion by the use of extra metal in the splash zone or by coatings. Alternatively, the engineer may specify the employment of cathodic protection, in which sacrificial metal ingots are installed in connection with appropriate electrical circuits.