The Barge Dock - Structural Assessment (Kingston upon Thames)
- Structure: Historic barge dock (mass concrete and reinforced concrete with timber fendering)
- Primary defects: Severely decayed fender timbers; spalled concrete exposing reinforcement; widespread biological growth (moss/algae/mould) indicating retained moisture
- Deliverables: Annotated defect drawings; prioritised repair schedule; outline details for timber replacement and concrete repairs; cleaning methodology; maintenance regime
- Severe decay of fendering timbers
- Finding: Fender strips and sacrificial timbers heavily degraded.
- Risk: Loss of impact protection for craft and the dock edge; local damage to parent concrete during berthing.
- Concrete damage with exposed reinforcement
- Finding: Areas of spalling and delamination exposing steel.
- Risk: Ongoing corrosion and section loss; reduced durability and potential for localised failure if left untreated.
- Biological growth and moisture retention
- Finding: Moss, algae and mould across shaded/constantly damp surfaces.
- Risk: Accelerated deterioration, slippery walking surfaces, and impeded drainage.
1) Timber fendering replacement (immediate priority)
- Replace decayed members with marine-grade fendering (e.g., sustainably sourced greenheart/oak, or recycled composite fenders where appropriate).
- Stainless/galvanised fixings; isolation washers to reduce bimetallic risk at steel interfaces; sacrificial rub-boards where frequent contact is expected.
- Allow for replaceable wear pieces to simplify future maintenance.
2) Concrete repairs to arrest corrosion
- Break out defective concrete to sound substrate; clean and passivate exposed reinforcement; reinstate with a BS EN 1504 compliant repair system (primer, repair mortar, bonding/curing as specified).
- For edges/arrises, use fibre-reinforced repair mortars and formwork to restore geometry; re-coat with a protective anti-carbonation finish in splash zones.
- Where section loss is significant, introduce local stainless anchors/dowels to secure repairs to the parent structure (to BS 8539 principles).
3) Cleaning & biological control
- Pressure-wash surfaces within agreed pressure limits to avoid substrate damage; apply biocide suitable for aquatic environments.
- Reinstate/clear drainage paths; consider slip-resistant finishes on access steps/walkways.
4) Method, access and environmental controls
- Prepare a method statement covering floating plant access or pontoon work, exclusion zones, debris containment and waste handling.
- Liaise with the local navigation authority (non-tidal Thames) regarding access windows/closures; schedule works to avoid fish-spawning periods and comply with pollution prevention measures (silt curtains, spill kits).
- Apply permit-to-work controls for over-water operations; ensure rescue provision and life-saving equipment are in place.
- Safety improved: reinstated impact protection and removal of immediate hazards.
- Durability restored: concrete repairs and protective finishes arrest corrosion and extend service life.
- Manageable upkeep: a planned maintenance regime (inspection/cleaning intervals; fender wear-piece replacement) reduces future cost and risk.
Condition survey & defect mapping · Fendering replacement design · Concrete repair specification · Cleaning/biocide methodology · Over-water method & environmental inputs · Maintenance plan & inspection schedule
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