Cork County Council requires the services of a competent firm of Consulting Engineers, with experience of marine structures and piling structures to carry out inspections and produce a structural report.

Accelerated Low Water Corrosion (ALWC) is a problem that is starting to appear on steel piles at a number of locations in Ireland and worldwide. Cork County Council is inviting consultants to carry out an assessment of the piles at a number of locations in West Cork to determine the extent, if any, of this problem.

Corrosion occurs on unprotected steel structures in any location, and varies in intensity depending on local variables. Accelerated Low Water Corrosion (ALWC) is defined as the localized and aggressive corrosion phenomenon that typically occurs at or below low-water level and is associated with microbially induced corrosion. ALWC corrosion rates are typically 0.5 mm/side/year averaged over time to the point of complete perforation of steel plate.

Occurrences of ALWC have been noted in the literature as far back as the first half of the 20th century. In view of this history and the presence of ALWC-promoting bacteria in all aquatic environments, commissioning owners would be strongly advised to include ALWC corrosion protection on all maritime structures.

The locations to be inspected are - Keelbeg Pier, Union Hall; Schull Pier, Schull; Pallas Pier, Ardgroom, Beara; Lahertanvally Pier, Lisheen, Schull.

Source: Cork County Council, August 23, 2011; Image: Dominion Diving