Inspection of Steel Sheet-Pile Quaywall Using Underwater Remotely Operated

Steel sheet pile wharves are integral to port infrastructure, necessitating routine inspections to ensure their structural safety and longevity. Traditional inspection methods, involving divers equipped with cameras, focus on visual assessments, thickness measurements, and cathodic protection system evaluations. While effective, these methods are labor-intensive and expose divers to significant risks. This work explores the use of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) as an alternative for inspecting two steel sheet pile wharves, labeled A and B. The ROV-based inspections were compared to conventional diver-based methods in terms of defect detection, biofouling removal efficiency, and steel thickness measurements. The findings reveal that ROV inspections offer several advantages, including enhanced safety, reduced operational time, and comparable accuracy in detecting structural anomalies. However, challenges such as limited visibility due to marine growth and calibration issues with thickness measurements were noted. This work proposes strategies to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for optimized ROV designs and improved operational protocols. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of ROV technology, this research provides valuable insights for advancing underwater inspection methods, ensuring safer and more efficient maintenance of steel sheet pile wharves.