Upgrading a Port's ICCP System for Steel Sheet Pile Bulkheads Using Below-Mudline Linear Anodes | Mississippi, USA
Services Applied by VCS Engineering
Project Description
A Port in Mississippi has four contiguous steel sheet pile bulkheads at the South Terminal Dock of the West Bank Facilities. The sheet pile walls are approximately 60 feet tall and have a combined total length of approximately 966 feet. These walls had an existing impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system, consisting of (14) submerged anode sleds and two rectifiers. The anode sleds were damaged and no longer operational, allowing for the wall to begin to deteriorate. The Port owner contracted VCS to design a new ICCP system that utilizes a linear anode system to be buried below the mudline, while reusing the existing rectifiers.
Scope
VCS designed a linear anode system to replace the anode sleds, as the linear anode would be cheaper to install and provide a more durable system. The Port was having trouble with dredging operations, catching the previous sleds and associated wiring that were extended out into the channel. The linear system was selected to address this issue as it can be kept closer to the bulkhead and more easily brought up to the surface during dredging operations.
VCS produced stamped and sealed design drawings and specifications for a bid package that was used by the Port owner to contract the installation of the ICCP system.