Sponsored by the Technical Committee on Ports and Harbors of the Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute of ASCE

Waterfront Facilities Inspection and Assessment supplies engineers with guidelines and tools for inspecting and evaluating the condition of waterfront structures located in seawater and freshwater environments. Inspections are essential to an effective waterfront facility management program that ensures public safety, reliable service, environmental protection, and reduced maintenance costs. Because distress to a waterfront structure may not be recognizable from above water, the inspection must include an assessment of the extent and severity of deterioration from above and underwater.

This Manual of Practice provides guidance on eight different types of inspection and explains how to match inspection types to project needs. It considers existing waterfront facilities that are constructed of concrete, masonry, metals, composites, and wood; facility locations may be near-shore, waterfront, riverine, or inland. Guidelines are not limited to the structure alone, but rather include comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the facility, including fender systems, mechanical and electrical utilities, appurtenant structures, and anchor systems. Recommendations on standards of practice and estimation of service life are included, as well as discussions of documentation, reporting, and several administrative issues. An extensive appendix addresses special considerations for a variety of specific structure types and systems, such as fixed utilities, equipment, mooring hardware, topside paving and drainage, and safety features. Other appendixes outline the types and causes of defects; describe specialized inspection techniques, such as infrared thermography and ground-penetrating radar; and define inspection nomenclature and key terms.

Covering the engineering and technical requirements for conducting above water and underwater facility assessments, MOP 130 is a valuable, comprehensive resource for owners, operators, and engineers involved in operating, maintaining, inspecting, and repairing waterfront structures.