Off Shore Platforms, Helidecks, Seawalls

In water depths of 400 feet, a one-ton weight savings in platform superstructure means a weight savings of 6 tons in the supporting structure. Aluminum is often used in the construction of helicopter decks (helidecks) for resupply of oil rigs. Marine-grade aluminum alloys offer maintenance free service with remarkable corrosion resistance. Using aluminum components reduces handling and offshore lifting costs, and speeds assembly. Aluminum does not burn and presents no thermite sparking risks. Even in salt water applications, little or no protective coatings are required for aluminum seawalls. Photo on top: The first all-aluminum oil rig was installed in Venezuela in 1957. Photo on bottom: Seawalls, must offer long-term structural integrity and resistance to the elements.

Marine grade aluminum alloys are used for helidecks, telescoping bridges, accommodation modules, stair towers, cable ladders, fire walls, mud mats, gratings, and many other applications around the globe. Aluminum structures weigh 40-70% less than equivalent steel structures in these applications. Larger, lighter aluminum structures can be handled and lifted with smaller, less expensive equipment. In marine environments, properly selected aluminum alloys require no painting or protection against exposure, and require little or no maintenance.

Aluminum is widely used in cruise ships, pleasure boats, irrigation pipe, heat exchangers, sewage treatment plants, and rain carrying equipment because of its durability in the natural environment. Installations of aluminum culvert sheeting and pipelines have shown its resistance to corrosion in many soils. Some aluminum drill pipes, for example, have been in use for more than 20 years.

Aluminum sheet piling systems' success is documented through more than two decades in various applications in both fresh and salt water. The many satisfied users of aluminum sheet piling include the US Corps of Engineers, US Soil Conservation Service, the US Department of Agriculture, US Navy, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and state, county and municipal entities and the private sector.

Aluminum seawall shapes are extruded, achieving the most strength with the least material. Since aluminum is easy to extrude and fabricate, retrofitting offshore platforms and customization is cost-effective. Designers can create either a single-piece component, bolted connections, or interlocking sections for fast and simple fit-up on site. Aluminum can be connected and secured using a wide variety of proven mechanical methods and is welded three times faster than steel, using inexpensive MIG machines. Aluminum is non-combustible and gives off no flammable vapor when heated - both safety advantages in off shore applications such as helidecks.