CORROSION RATE MEASUREMENT OF SHEET PILE WALL IN THE PORT OF DURBAN

Background: Harbors provide shelter for vessels, whereas ports facilitate the docking of ships that transport passengers and cargo (Jellett 2024). The Port of Durban relies on steel sheet piles to protect quay walls from rising sea level and erosion. Understanding the corrosion rate is crucial for maintaining these structures. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the corrosion rates and estimate the remaining thickness of steel sheet pile walls at the Island View Berth 3 and Maydon Wharf Berth 12. Methods: Ultrasonic thickness (UT) gauges were employed to measure the remaining thickness of steel sheet piles. Corrosion rates were calculated using the formula icorr=(To−Ta)/t, where To is the original thickness, Ta is the actual thickness, and t is the exposure time in years. Additional laboratory analyses of chloride content and pH levels were conducted to evaluate the impact of the marine environment on corrosion. Results: At Island View Berth 3, the average corrosion rate was 0.0516 mm/year 28 years after installation. At Maydon Wharf Berth 12, the corrosion rates vary by zone: 0.0545 mm/year in the splash zone, 0.0485 mm/year in the tidal zone, 0.0345 mm/year in the low-water zone, and 0.0290 mm/year in the immersion zone, yielding an overall corrosion rate of 0.0466 mm/year. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant corrosion variability across different zones and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive maintenance plan to address deterioration. These findings provide essential insights for future design and preservation strategies of marine structures at the Port of Durban.