Underwater Inspection, Repair Design, and Construction Inspection for the Spring Garden Incinerator Piers 31-34
Pier 31-36 along Delaware River, Philadelphia, PA
In 2007 W.J. Castle, P.E. & Associates, P.C. completed the underwater inspection of Piers 31-34. These piers support the maintenance building as well as the incinerator facility. Both piers are constructed of steel h-pile foundations with concrete caps. The pier supporting the incinerator pier was a low deck structure, however the pier supporting the maintenance building was a high deck structure. During the inspection it was noted that several of the h-piles exhibited areas of 100% section loss under the waterline. This deterioration noted endangered the pier structures and repairs were recommended on a priority basis. W.J. Castle provided the detailed location of the deteriorated piles and developed a repair which included installation of galvanized steel piles bolted to both the web and flanges of the beams. The deterioration was limited to a 2’-0” high band and the repair extended both above and below the deteriorated area. Upon completion of the repairs, W.J. Castle provided the construction inspection services to verify the repairs were completed as designed.