A Challenge Hidden Beneath the Dock
Port development and maintenance operations, such as driving new piles, can sometimes compromise existing infrastructure. This is what happened in the Port of Ravenna, where the stormwater drainage pipe, vital to the functioning of the dock, was damaged and blocked by concrete debris.
To ensure a rapid resumption of operations and the restoration of structural integrity, the project was entrusted to Drafinsub, a leader in highly complex underwater works and the resolution of technical problems in maritime environments.
The Damage and the Diagnosis
The damage had blocked the pipeline with concrete, rendering it unusable for drainage. The obstruction not only prevented water from flowing, but also compromised the structural integrity of the area above.
Drafinsub’s plan focused on three crucial phases for the definitive resolution of the problem:
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Unclogging and Cleaning: Removal of occlusive material.
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Structural Restoration: Positioning of a new internal “counter-tube”.
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Waterproof Sealing: Resin and fixing for maximum durability.
Phase 1: Underwater Precision and Clearing
The first crucial step was to free the conduit from solidified concrete and debris. Drafinsub diving technicians used specialized equipment for controlled hydrodemolition and clearing, operating with the utmost caution to avoid further damaging the original structure.
After removing the blockage, a thorough cleaning of the entire internal cavity of the duct was performed. This operation was essential to prepare the surface for safe and effective installation of the new lining.
Phase 2: The Countertube – Structural Rebirth
Once the duct was cleaned and inspected, the team proceeded to install a new inner pipe, a “counterpipe.”
This coating had a dual purpose:
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Restore Flow: Fully reopen the channel to allow water to drain.
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Ensure Integrity: Provide new structural strength to the entire under-bank pipeline.
Installing the counterpipe required meticulous alignment and pushing, performed with precision tools, to ensure perfect adhesion along the entire length of the damaged duct.
Phase 3: Sealing and Durability with Epoxy Resin
The final phase ensured the longevity of the project. The new pipe was resin-bonded in place by injecting high-strength epoxy resin into the interstitial spaces between the old and new conduits.
This process ensures:
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Solid Anchoring: Permanent fixing of the counterpipe.
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Waterproofing: Complete blocking of infiltrations, protecting the overlying dock and preventing future deterioration caused by water.
Drafinsub: Complex Solutions for Maritime Engineering
The pipeline repair project in the Port of Ravenna is a concrete example of how Drafinsub combines experience and technology to solve underwater civil engineering problems that require unique expertise.
“The ability to intervene quickly and with non-invasive solutions is essential in a port context,” says Angelo Barbaro, Drafinsub Site Manager. “Every project in a marine environment requires impeccable planning and the use of advanced techniques, from unclogging to sealing with resins, to ensure the full functionality and safety of the infrastructure.”
