Seawall & Jetty Condition Assessment
Project: Seahaven, Great Yarmouth
Project Highlights
Comprehensive marine structural inspection
Integrated assessment using visual inspection, NDT and diving survey data
Prioritised maintenance strategy
Practical recommendations to maximise asset life
Cost-effective alternative to unnecessary replacement
Clear engineering report with photographic defect schedule
Project Overview
TILT Engineering & Design was appointed to undertake a comprehensive condition inspection of an existing seawall and private jetty at Seahaven, Great Yarmouth.
The objective was to assess the overall structural condition of the marine assets, identify existing defects and provide clear, prioritised recommendations to help the client manage future maintenance and extend the operational life of the structures.
The Challenge
Located within a tidal marine environment, both the seawall and jetty had been exposed to many years of coastal weathering and corrosion.
The client required an independent engineering assessment to:
Understand the current condition of both structures
Identify defects requiring immediate attention
Prioritise future maintenance expenditure
Maximise the remaining service life of the assets
The inspection also needed to incorporate findings from a specialist diving survey and non-destructive testing (NDT) programme to provide a complete picture of the structures' condition.
Our Approach
TILT carried out a detailed visual inspection of the seawall and jetty during suitable tidal and weather conditions.
Due to restricted access beneath the jetty, our engineers utilised an extended-reach inspection camera together with high-resolution photography to assess areas that could not be viewed directly.
The inspection included assessment of:
Seawall condition
Concrete capping beam
Wall cracking and concrete deterioration
Steel primary and secondary beams
Pile head plates and structural connections
Steel piles and bracing
Decking system
Handrails and ancillary structures
Inspection findings were reviewed alongside underwater inspection data and non-destructive testing results to provide a comprehensive structural assessment.
Services Provided
✔ Marine structural inspection
✔ Condition assessment
✔ Defect identification
✔ Engineering reporting
✔ Prioritised maintenance planning
✔ Review of NDT and diving survey data
✔ Residual life assessment
The inspection concluded that the seawall remained structurally stable, with deterioration largely limited to localised concrete defects, surface cracking and marine growth.
The jetty superstructure showed more significant deterioration, particularly within steel beams, connection plates and bolted connections, although the supporting steel piles remained in good structural condition with acceptable remaining wall thickness.
Rather than recommending wholesale replacement, TILT developed a prioritised programme of remedial works, enabling the client to make informed investment decisions.
Recommendations were categorised into:
Required Works
Essential repairs addressing deterioration within the jetty superstructure and local seawall defects to maintain safe operation.
Life Extension Works
Recommended maintenance aimed at slowing future deterioration and extending the service life of both assets.
Supplementary Improvements
Optional enhancements to further improve long-term resilience and reduce future maintenance requirements.
The final report provided the client with a practical asset management roadmap, allowing maintenance budgets to be prioritised while supporting the continued safe operation of both the seawall and jetty.
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.