Marine Training Pier Condition Assessment
Project: Solent University, Warsash Campus
Project Highlights
261m marine training pier inspected
Boat and foreshore access surveys
Ultrasonic thickness testing
Underwater camera inspections
Asset Condition Grade assessment
RAG-prioritised maintenance plan
Long-term lifecycle recommendations
Project Overview
TILT Engineering & Design was appointed by Solent University to undertake a comprehensive condition assessment of the university's marine training pier and jetty at Warsash.
The pier is a critical training facility used for lifeboat exercises and launching rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), making its continued safe operation essential. The inspection formed part of the University's ongoing programme of planned asset management and maintenance.
The Challenge
The University required an independent engineering assessment to understand the condition of its marine infrastructure, identify maintenance priorities and develop a long-term strategy for managing the asset.
The inspection needed to assess the structural condition of the access pier, jetty and supporting piles while minimising disruption to the facility's ongoing training operations.
Our Approach
TILT carried out a detailed visual inspection of the 261-metre access pier and main jetty using a combination of shoreline access, workboat inspections and low-tide surveys.
Where appropriate, ultrasonic thickness measurements were undertaken on steel elements, supported by underwater camera inspections to assess areas below the waterline without the need for intrusive diving operations.
The inspection included assessment of:
Steel tubular piles
Reinforced concrete deck structures
Primary beams and bracing
Boat launch frames
Jetty superstructure
Timber fenders
Handrails and access equipment
General structural condition
Historic drawings and asset information were reviewed alongside site observations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure's current condition.
Services Provided
✔ Marine structural inspection
✔ Condition assessment
✔ Ultrasonic thickness testing
✔ Underwater camera inspections
✔ Asset condition grading
✔ Lifecycle planning
✔ Maintenance strategy
The inspection concluded that the jetty remained in satisfactory structural condition and was assigned an Asset Condition Grade 3, indicating that while deterioration was present, the structure remained suitable for its intended operational use.
TILT identified a series of short and long-term maintenance requirements and developed a prioritised programme of repairs using a Red-Amber-Green (RAG) risk-based approach.
Recommendations included:
Immediate repairs to prevent further deterioration
Ongoing monitoring of key structural components
Biennial condition inspections
Long-term lifecycle planning
Future structural assessment to establish residual load capacity
The final report provided Solent University with a practical asset management strategy, enabling maintenance investment to be prioritised while supporting the continued safe operation of this important maritime training facility.
Need an independent assessment of your marine assets?
Whether you're responsible for a quay wall, jetty, pontoon or coastal defence structure, our Chartered Engineers can provide clear, practical advice to help you understand your asset's condition and plan future maintenance with confidence.