Overview
SPI Piling project widening a ferry berth on the Isle of Skye so it could accept a new Scottish Government vessel. Several foundation tubes had not reached refusal; my scope was to fabricate and weld extension tubes to reach design level, then reinstate protection for marine exposure.
Scope & Methods
- Off-site prep with fitted backing strips and polyurethane coating before delivery.
- Developed the WPS and completed welder qualification to the same procedure.
- Process: SMAW (stick), predominantly horizontal welds on backing strip.
- Tidal-restricted site; sequencing planned to maximise weld time in each window.
- Total of 48 tube sections welded and inspected.
NDT & Coating
- Each weld subject to inspection per project specification; all accepted on first pass.
- Repainted in marine-grade polyurethane with stripe coats on welds; DFT checks logged.
Logistics & Safety
- Tidal planning with access and exclusion managed during low-water windows.
- Rigging and lifting plans for tube positioning with taglines and banksman control.
- Hot-works controls, fire watch, and PPE for welding and fume exposure.
Outcomes
- All welds passed NDT with no rework required.
- Extensions delivered within tidal constraints and ready for service.
- Prepared and coated to withstand harsh marine conditions.
Gallery
