Steel pipes have become an integral component of marine construction projects due to their exceptional strength and durability. With the ability to withstand harsh marine environments, steel pipes are widely used in offshore drilling, bridge construction, and other marine infrastructure projects. As you continue reading below, we will walk you through some of their key applications in marine construction.
Bridge Construction
One of the primary uses of steel pipe in marine construction is for bridges that span waterways or connect offshore structures. They are particularly useful in bridge construction projects because of their high strength and durability. As such, they can withstand the constant movement and stress of marine environments where other materials cannot.
More specifically, steel pipes can be used for structural purposes in bridges, like piles or piers, to support the weight of the bridge and resist the forces of waves, currents, and wind. They are particularly useful for bridges that span long distances, resulting in even more pressure on the foundation–which steel pipes can support.
Offshore Drilling
Another common use of steel pipes in marine construction includes offshore drilling projects. In this case, the steel pipes are used to transport oil and gas from offshore wells to onshore processing facilities.
As a result, these pipes must be able to withstand high pressures and corrosive environments, which are often typical of offshore drilling operations. Because of this, steel pipes that are used for offshore drilling often have special coatings to protect them from corrosion and abrasion.
Marine Pipelines
On a similar note, steel pipes are often used in marine pipelines. Such pipelines can include ones that transport water, gas, or other fluids over long distances through the ocean. Again, these pipelines must be able to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater and other marine elements.
For this reason, the steel pipes used in marine pipelines are often coated with epoxy or other protective coatings to extend their lifespan and prevent corrosion.
Combi-wall Construction
Combi-walls are a type of structure made from both steel pipe and sheet pile that are used to create foundations for a variety of marine construction projects. Steel pipes are the primary component of combi-walls, with the sheet piles being used to form a watertight barrier for the structure.
The result is a combi wall that is designed to resist the lateral forces of soil or water pressure, in addition to the vertical loads of the actual structure itself. All in all, the strength and stability of the steel pipes in combi-walls allow for wider and taller structures.
Offshore Wind Farms
Lastly, steel pipes are commonly used in the construction of offshore wind farms. These are becoming increasingly popular with the continued push for renewable energy use, and they largely rely on steel pipes, among other key components.
Steel pipes are used as foundation components to support the weight of the wind turbines and other related equipment. Thus, these pipes are useful because they can withstand the high stress and corrosive effects of the marine environment.
