Piling and pole protective wrap system

Abstract

A multi-layer protective wrap system for wood or metal pilings and poles comprising multiple organic polymer layers (an inner seal wrap, an optional foam conformation layer, and an outer compression shell) secured to the pilings by a bar-and-band system provides resistance to decay, thereby extending the life of pilings/poles in both new and retrofit installations. The 2- or 3-layer wrap system not only extends the life of pilings/poles by protecting them from new infestation by organisms, but also starves existing organisms of the oxygen they require to survive. In addition, because the inventive wrap system seals the piling/poles, it prevents leaching of creosote or other protective coating materials into the environment, reducing the threat of toxicity. This permits industry current standard practice of impregnating pilings with creosote to act as a third or fourth layer inside the 2-3 layers of the inventive wrap system.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is related to Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 622,164 filed Oct. 26, 2004 under the title Wood Piling Wrap System and Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 643,749 under the title Wood Piling Wrap System II filed Jan. 13, 2005, both by the same inventor, the priorities of which are claimed under 35 US Code §§ 119 and 120, and the entire subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD [0002] The invention relates to marine construction and more particularly to a multi-layer wrapping system for pilings and poles that lengthens their useful life against corrosion, against decay and attack by marine and land based organisms. The inventive multi-layer wrap system also reduces leaching of preservative coatings into the environment, thereby reducing contamination of the water and soil into which the pilings and poles are emplaced in service. The inventive wrap system comprises a multi-layer organic polymer w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0029] In the case of poles, it is preferred to wrap the entire base of the pole that is installed in-ground, to some 6-18″ above ground level. That is, in the case of pilings the preferred wrap is top down to some 12-24″ below the sea, river, lake or marsh mud line, the remaining being un-wrapped, whereas in the case of poles, the wrapping is from bottom up to some 6-18″ above ground line. However, it should be understood that in the case of sensitive marine environments, whether fresh or salt water, it may be preferred or necessary to wrap the entire section of the piling or pole emplaced in the sea, lake, river, pond or marsh bed. To wrap the bottom of the piling or pole, that is the butt end, the inner seal layer is extended beyond the butt end of the piling or pole, and upon wrapping, the extension is folded over the butt and around the lower portion of the side-wall wrap. Then the outer compression layer shell can secure the folded material. In this case, the foam inner layer may be omitted in the area of the folded material. In addition, the folded material may be cut off square,

Problems solved by technology

In standard wood, metal and concrete piling systems, marine boring organisms and exposure to water promotes deterioration of the wood and concrete and corrosion of metal.

While these chemicals slow the processes of infestation and decay, they leach into the water, which is a growing, serious, and significant environmental concern, particularly around docks used for fishing and human recreation, or in areas where the leachate affects fish and aquatic plants and animals.

While both metal and wood are used for pilings and poles, the use of metal is far more common for poles than pilings, as the metal is far harder to protect from corrosion, particularly in salt water environments.

In addition, metal is subject to galvanic corrosion in wet environments.

Metal poles emplaced in the ground typically have longer service life than those emplaced in marine or wet environments (fresh wa

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