Driven Piles directly exposed to Seawater

[Spanky7]

I am involved in a job located in Florida where we need to install a single pile structure in a Canal to support channel monitoring equipment. What is the typical type and grade of steel that is used for piles in direct contact with seawater? We have thought about using 18” to 24” diameter stainless steel pipe for corrosion purposes. Is stainless steel an acceptable material for a driven pile? Also, if you were not to use stainless steel, what type of coating would be recommended to help prevent saltwater corrosion? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Prestressed concrete piling are commonly used in salt water structures and can last for decades in that application. Using a corrosion resistant steel will be very expensive.

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[DWHA]

Have you considered driving a metal shell pile, then inserting a galvanized rebar cage and filling it with concrete?

 

[vandede427]

use a concrete pile

 

[Spanky7]

DWHA,
No we have not considered that yet.

 

[DRC1]

Steel piles are often used in salt water applications. Generally they will have a coal tar epoxy or equal applied in two to three coats. If you are using pipe piles, they are generally filled with concrete and reinforced, although I have not seen galvinized rebar used. Prestress concrete, spun concrete, and treated timber are also options. Contact PDCA (

http://www.piledrivers.org)

and they can point you to local contractors and engineers who can tell you what has been done in the area.

 

[Spanky7]

DRC1,

Thanks for the info. I have already been in contact with PDCA and they were very helpful.