SCOUR MONITORING
SCOUR MONITORING SERVICES IN DEMAND
Increase in storms and flood incidents can destabilise structures with foundations underwater.
The devastation caused when the UK was hit by some of the worst storm surges in 60 years was evident for all to see. Thousands of homes and businesses across the country were flooded, roads were damaged and sea defences were battered.
SUBSEA ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SOLUTIONS It is an issue that marine technology specialists Kongsberg Maritime Ltd believes will become increasingly prevalent in the years to come. The company, which is based near Aberdeen at Westhill - the hub of Europe’s subsea industry – saw the potential for scour monitoring services as a result of its involvement with the offshore renewables sector.
This has by and large involved provision of acoustic monitoring for environmental impact assessments that are required as part of the feasibility and planning process, however the company has realised the potential to harness its technology for subsea inspection and long-term scour monitoring.
AWARENESS
Business Development Manager Mark Baldwin says that more clients are now becoming aware of the potentially devastating consequences of scour and are responding by implementing a programme of regular inspections on structures with underwater foundations.
Mark Baldwin
But while the clean-up continues on land, the potentially devastating impact of the tidal surges underwater is not so clear. Flooding and swiftly moving water is one of the main causes of scour: the erosion of sediment and soils from the base of underwater structures which can lead to destabilisation.
With scientists predicting that flooding will increase, especially during winter as a result of water vapour known as atmospheric rivers, loss of integrity and damage to structures such as offshore wind turbines, bridges and piers, could also escalate.
It has a strong track record in delivering solutions for subsea environmental monitoring for the development of offshore wind turbines and tidal and wave power installations.
He explains, “Scour is an issue affecting structures which have been constructed both on the sea bed and river bed or river bank, and it is fair to say that it is perhaps not an issue which has previously been given much consideration.
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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