What is a fender wale?
A fender wale (Dutch wrijfgording, “rubbing purlin”) is a horizontal timber, plastic or steel beam fixed to the piles or sections of a quay, jetty or sheet-pile wall. It is also simply called a fender or rubbing strip.
Functions
- Protecting boats: vessels mooring or rubbing along the quay hit the fender instead of hard steel or concrete piles. The fender is a wearing part and is replaced when worn.
- Stiffening a revetment: on bank revetments, especially those made of plastic boards, the wale keeps piles and boards in line and spreads earth pressure.
Construction
- Timber: durable hardwood or treated softwood, bolted to the piles.
- Recycled plastic: rot-proof but expands more in heat; use enough fixings.
- Steel: as a structural waling, often with a timber or plastic rubbing face.
Tips
- Fix to every pile with galvanised or stainless bolts.
- Make joints over a pile, never between piles.
- Inspect yearly for loose bolts, rot at the waterline and bulging.
- Wildlife: a small ramp board helps ducks climb out of the water.
- Permits: work along watercourses often needs consent from the water authority.
Related terms
- Sheet piling
- Bank revetment
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