CLOCK SPRING®

CLOCK SPRING REINFORCEMENT OF

JETTY LEG STRUCTURES
The Clock Spring Company, L.P. has pioneered the testing and development of composite repair systems
typically associated with the hoop reinforcement of corrosion defects associated with high pressure
transmission pipelines.

Within a separate development and testing program the application of composite technology was also tested
for seismic protection of concrete pillars used to support highways in earthquake prone California.

This work required a variation in the composite architecture to meet the load requirements for this
application and once again a detailed test and evaluation program was completed to provide complete
engineering analysis to confirm the suitability of the repair to meet the structural and environmental needs.

Fig 1 Fig 2

Fig 3

The composite architecture for this reinforcement application varies greatly from the standard Clock Spring
repair and utilises large diameter composite split shells (Snap Wrap) which are opened and installed around
the pillar as shown in Figs 1, 2 and 3. The figures show two men installing a Snap Wrap repair onto a 48"
column.

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In a separate and unconnected program in association with North Carolina State University a two year test
and evaluation program was conducted to test and re-engineer the standard Clock Spring methymethcryalte
adhesive and filler systems to allow sub-sea application and curing. Fig 4 shows testing from this program.

Fig 4

The combined results from these two independent programs has allowed Clock Spring to introduce a novel
solution for the reinforcement of jetty leg structures where corrosion attack has taken place in the splash zone
area.

The principal requirement from the composite repair is to provide reinforcement to the structure where it has
been weakened by corrosion. In addition to this the complete repair provides both a level and combination of
impact resistance and protection of future corrosion attack.

The utilisation of the underwater curing and filler materials allows repairs to be conducted in the splash zone,
either above the water line (at a low tide point) which are then submerged or, if required, repairs can be
completed below the water line and easily applied by divers.

Via the Clock Spring Middle East office 36" jetty leg repairs have been completed for a major gas export
company in the region.

Figures 5 and 6 show typical through wall and general corrosion in the splash zone region on the jetty legs.

Fig 5 Fig 6

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For this particular application the operator decided to conduct the repairs at the time of the lowest
astronomical tide to eliminate the requirement for divers and scaffolded the repair area as shown in Fig 7.
This allowed the structure surface to be cleaned and prepared but as can be seen due to wave action frequent
"wetting" of the structure and general repair area still took place.

Fig 7 Fig 8

For a through wall defect the repair procedure is to "seal" the defect using a unique metal polymer paste
(MPP). A wire mesh is placed into the hole and the MPP applied over this, finally an aluminium plate is cut
to size and placed over the complete defect area and strapped and held in place and allowed to cure (Figs 8
and 9).

Fig 9 Fig 10

The cure process of the MPP takes approximately 15 minutes following which the holding straps are
removed, the Clock Spring filler material is then liberally applied into all of the associated pitting corrosion
found in the general repair area (Fig 10).

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The composite Snap Wrap repair system is then ready for installation. In this instance the repair comprised
four individual composite layers, 36" diameter and one metre in length.

Fig 11 Fig 12

The adhesive is poured onto the inside surface of the composite layer and, using rollers supplied in the
installation kit, spread evenly over the complete surface (Fig 11).

Fig 13 Fig 14

Upon completion of the adhesive application the composite shell is lifted, opened and wrapped into place
around the structure, the subsequent layers are then applied in an offset manner to fully cover the longitudinal
seam of the previously installed layer (Figs 12, 13 and 14).

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The final layer has a factory applied, marine standard urethane coating. This final composite layer is applied
as per the previous layers and the complete repair strapped and held in place and allowed to cure (Fig 15). In
both air or sub-sea environments the cure time will be within two hours.

Fig 15

The use of a composite system for this repair application provides significant health and safety advantages
when compared to traditional repairs such as welded shells or cut out and replace, these include:
− The repair is lightweight and each shell can easily be manually carried along the length of the jetty
rather than having to use some form of transport system.
− No cranes are required at the job site.
− No hot work permits for welding or cutting are required.
− No electrical equipment (welding) is required at all and is eliminated from the job site and near to the
water line.
− Application is extremely quick, a four layer 36" repair can be installed within 1½ hours allowing
technicians to quickly vacate the repair area.
− Completely environmentally friendly and benign when installed.

Technically the advantages include:

− Proven structural repair.
− Impact resistance.
− Prevention of future corrosion attack.
− No shielding of any applied C.P. system.
− Any diameter and repair length can be accommodated.
− Product is available for quick delivery and potential emergency repair requirements.

The combination of the aforementioned safety and technical advantages provides significant commercial
advantages for projects of his nature and overall ease of planning for ongoing rehabilitation needs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON CLOCK SPRING® REPAIR SOLUTIONS CONTACT:

Clock Spring Company, L.P. UK, 4A The Causeway, Godmanchester
Huntingdon, Cambs, PE29 2HA, England
Telephone: 44 1480 414703 ● Facsimile: 44 1480 414705
Email: sales@clockspringuk.com

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