The 150 metre long steel structure of Cromer Pier is located on the Norfolk coast. Stood in a marine environment, the main structural steel is exposed to erosion and some elements of the substructure exhibit signs of significant deterioration, which if not monitored, could jeopardise the pier’s stability.

The tidal nature of the location combined with the condensed nature of the structural steelwork prevents assessment of the substructure by a vessel. As such CAN was requested to access the soffit of the pier, ‘aid-climb’ the steel work to achieve a detailed ‘within touching distance’ survey.

As a vessel could not access the substructure a process of ‘rigging for rescue’ was required to ensure that in the event of an emergency a casualty could be extracted promptly from the substructure back to the pier deck.

The inspection of all the steel members was logged using a grading system. Some members were subject to ultrasonic thickness testing. The client was able to evaluate this data and develop a planned maintenance strategy, assuring the longevity of this local attraction.

Duration:       14 days

Client:            HOP Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers

Location:       Cromer, Norfolk