Effects of Age and Environmental Conditions on Steel Components in Landing Jetties Around Port Harcourt

Abstract

This study examines the effect of corrosion on the structural integrity and longevity of Abuloma, Bille, Bonny, Marine Base, and Okuru jetties in Rivers State, Nigeria. The assessment focused on the depreciation rate of handrails, piers, and concrete-embedded rods within these jetties. The thickness of handrails, piers, and embedded rods was monitored for 42 days.  Both experimental and analytical methods were adopted in the study. Visual inspection of steel components to ascertain corroded surfaces of metal piers, handrails, and iron rods was done. Sections were tested at an average of seven weeks in triplicate. The test process involves locating certain sections on each sample, cleaning thoroughly using the emery papers to remove the entire rust covering, and then applying cleaning oil designated for the purpose before taking direct measurements on the spot. The depreciation in thickness of handrails and piers varies across the jetties, with Marine Base Jetty having the highest depreciation (0.1422–0.3830% for handrails and 0.1324–0.1576% for piers) and least in Bonny Jetty (0.0213–0.0311% for handrails and 0.0178–0.0288% for piers). Concrete-embedded rod thickness at Abuloma Jetty depreciated from 0.2428 to 0.4983. Influencing factors identified for the depreciation are material quality, age, seawater, and other environmental conditions.