Using Robots in Ballast Tanks: Project Under Way to Automate Inspection of Surface Prep and Coating Work

by Lars-Eric Etzold, Meyer Werft GmbH

The author discusses the project "RObots in Tanks" (ROT), which is in the process of developing a new generation of mobile robots for work in enclosed spaces on vessels, such as ballast water tanks. The article covers the inspection requirements, including criteria for robots to inspect surface preparation and coatings work, and the ability of a robot to find its way within a ballast water tank.

FHWA: Bridge Coating Study Yields Preliminary Test Results

by Pradeep Kodumuri, SES Group & Associates, and Seung-Kyoung Lee, Federal Highway Administration, Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

The authors present an overview of the work plan and first data sets collected from the FHWA 100-year coating study initiated in August 2009. The objective of the study is to identify and evaluate coating materials that can provide 100 years of maintenance-free service life for steel bridges.

SSPC Fact Sheet: Use of Hazardous Materials including Flammables in Confined Spaces

SSPC developed the Confined Space Fact Sheet in response to the Chemical Safety Board's (CSB) Final Report on the Xcel Energy Hydroelectric Plant Penstock Fire in Oct. 2007. It has been designed to provide guidance in addressing the hazards present and controls necessary when working in confined spaces.

Updates Issued for SSPC 2011

Known updates and additional exhibitors for SSPC 2011 featuring GreenCOAT, which will take place in Las Vegas on Jan. 31–Feb. 3, are featured here. In addition, there is information on planned concrete education at the show and an updated daily schedule. All information is current as of press time. The complete program can be found at www.sspc2011.com.

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From the Offices of SSPC

SSPC Organizational Members

Top of the News

Derrick Castle to present webinar on bridge specs

Problem Solving Forum

When can you coat new concrete

Cases from the F-Files

The case of the coating failures waiting at the train station

by Cynthia L. O’Malley, Manager-Laboratory Services, KTA-Tator, Inc. Richard A. Burgess, KTA-Tator, Inc., Series Editor

Case History

Polyurea specified for dam in France

by Murphy Mahaffey, WIWA Wilhelm-Wagner GmbH & Co. KG