Castle Group’s underwater inspection – Part 1 of Underwater Inspection, Design and Construction focused on preparing for inspection. In Part 2 the focus is on examining the substructure and documenting the information.
Overview
Routine inspection and maintenance of every marine structure are of utmost importance. Even if the structure appears to be perfectly sound, that isn’t always the case underwater. Inspection of the substructure must be viewed as an engineering function and not merely a diving task left to non-technical personnel. As an engineering company specializing in structural underwater inspection, W.J. Castle & Associates has the experience and qualifications to ensure a comprehensive and accurate inspection of every type of marine structure.
The Inspection
Following the systematic inspection path, the diver thoroughly examines the substructure and reports his findings directly to the team through the surface communication panel. To guarantee that no damage or potential problem goes unreported, the entire inspection is permanently recorded and later transcribed for final documentation.
“There’s no undermining. The channel bottom, the concrete runs straight down. There’s no void from the channel bottom-up. That means that there’s no undermining occurring.”
W.J. Castle & Associates is experienced with every type of substructure material, concrete, and masonry, timber, and steel. All observed problems such as cracking, scaling, deterioration, marine borer damage, scouring, and undermining, are described in detail and rated according to their level of severity. Since Castle uses only diving engineers, serious structural problems can be immediately reported. Scour and other forms of sediment bed erosion can be just as dangerous as damage to the substructure itself. Therefore, Castle divers examine ground conditions using a strategically planned map or probings and soundings.
Accurate Documentation
When the inspection is completed and all necessary information has been compiled, the audio recorded inspection report is then transcribed and the writing of the final inspection report begins. This detailed report includes written descriptions and drawings of each substructure inspected, points out all existing damage, maps out underwater ground conditions, and recommends a plan for any necessary repairs.
When required, Castle & Associates will also provide visual documentation through still color photography and video recordings. A custom-designed clear water box allows for concise still photos to be taken, regardless of the visibility of the water. Castle’s specially-designed underwater video recording system can also be used to provide an audio-visual record of the actual inspection, following the submission of the final report. W.J. Castle & Associates will, upon request, provide effective repair designs for all reported damages.
We use trained and qualified professionals.
Castle Group’s underwater inspection – W.J. Castle & Associates has set new standards in the underwater inspection. Their expertise and experience in handling every phase of marine structure inspection have earned them the reputation as a leader in both the engineering and diving industries. W.J. Castle & Associates is one of the few engineering companies with a staff of professional engineers that actually do the diving. While other companies hire freelance commercial divers to do initial swim by inspections, Castle engineers conduct detailed visual inspections with partial cleaning and scour investigations as part of their minimum inspection requirements. Based on the findings of the initial inspection, Castle also conducts an as-needed highly detailed follow-up inspection using appropriate in-depth testing methods.
William J. Castle, professional engineer and founder of Castle & Associates, has assembled a team of professional divers carefully trained in engineering, diving, and underwater inspection techniques. A recognized leader in both the engineering and diving fields, William Castle has been diving since 1976 and a practicing licensed professional engineer since 1972. His vast experience includes underwater and surface repair and design, bridge design from simple spans to multi-span structures, rehabilitation design, and bulkhead pier and dam design.
Castle is also an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers. As a recognized member of the Association of Diving Contractors, William Castle has been appointed to a committee working towards the establishment of nationally recognized standards and qualifications for underwater inspections. He strongly believes that strict guidelines should be followed for underwater inspection and that only qualified professionals should evaluate the safety of any marine structure.
The rapidly expanding client list of W.J. Castle & Associates includes government agencies, departments of transportation, and prestigious private consulting engineering firms.
When you contract W.J. Castle & Associates, every inspection is fully insured for all marine inspection liabilities. And since each report is signed and sealed by a professional engineer, W.J. Castle is one of the very few diving companies that accepts total responsibility for its inspections and repairs. Since the safety of every marine structure depends on regularly scheduled, detailed inspections, you require the assistance of highly qualified professionals.
For your marine structure needs, call someone you can trust.
For accurate underwater inspections, contact W.J. Castle & Associates by phone 800-644-4713, or email wjc@wjcastlegroup.com, the professional engineers with commercial diving experience.