UFC 4-150-07
19 June 2001
CHAPTER 9
REPAIR OF SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
9-1
GENERAL. Synthetic materials used on waterfront structures include:
Structural components such as railings and stanchions, resilient
fenders, camels, chocks, wales, piles, light standards, gratings, and
piping.
Coatings, wraps, and jackets for piles and piping.
Buoyancy materials used in buoys, floats and foam-filled and
pneumatic fenders
Deterioration of synthetic materials results from physical damage,
exposure to the environment, aging, or a combination of these factors. Physical
damage is the most common type of deterioration for most waterfront synthetic
components. Exposure results in plastics cracking, separating or becoming
brittle; foams crumble with age and lose resilience; and elastomers stretch and
deteriorate from the effects of sun and exposure.
9-2
INSPECTION OF SYNTHETIC MATERIALS. All synthetic materials
should be inspected periodically to ensure that they are clean and in good
working order. If any component is damaged then it should be repaired or
replaced as necessary. Repairs to synthetic materials and components will
normally be controlled by the position of the components (or material) within the
waterfront structure. Components, such as: railings, stanchions, resilient rubber
fenders, camels, wales, chocks, light standards, gratings, and piping, will
normally be replaced and may be done by shop personnel. In general, small
surface damage such as burns, scratches, chips, or small cracks can be
repaired, but if the damage is structural then replacement is the recommended
course of action. (Table 9-1.)
Table 9-1 Repair Techniques for Synthetic Materials
Repair No. Description
Small Surface Damage
PR-1
Repair of Fiberglass, Guard Rail
Repair by Replacement
PR-2
Repair Dry Dock Caisson Seal (See Figure 9-1)
9-1
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