--- title: "Case Study: Stack Inspection and Welding Repair" description: Check out this Pacific Ropes case study where we completed a stack inspection and repair using rope access. image: https://www.pacificropes.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Welding%20Stack%2012_2017%202-1.jpg --- # Case Study: Stack Inspection and Welding Repair ## Case Study: Stack Inspection and Welding Repair Posted by [Jemia](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/author/jemia) on December 3,2019 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## ![Welding Stack 02_2015 3](https://www.pacificropes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Photos/Operations%20Pics/LaFarge/Welding%20Stack%2002_2015%203.jpg?width=3264&height=2448&name=Welding%20Stack%2002_2015%203.jpg) ## ![Question Icon-01](https://www.pacificropes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Question%20Icon-01-3.png?width=75&name=Question%20Icon-01-3.png) ## The Problem Time! Time was limited on this project. The plant had a 2 week shutdown with very little leeway for time extensions. Our client initially planned on using scaffolding to get access to the inside of the stack to carry out the inspection and then come up with a solution to carry out needed welding repairs. Other trades quoted that it would take more than 3 weeks to erect and dismantle the access required for this work scope, plus the time required to inspect the area then modify the access so that repairs could be done in the correct areas. ## ![Light Bulb Icon-01](https://www.pacificropes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Light%20Bulb%20Icon-01-3.png?width=75&name=Light%20Bulb%20Icon-01-3.png)   ## The Solution Pacific Ropes designed a custom engineered anchor for on top of the stack, giving us access to the work areas inside. This would also allow two people to work simultaneously next to each other or on opposite sides of the stack. It also gave us the ability to have a hauling system inside the stack so any steel work could be lifted in and out. ![Rope access welding stack](https://www.pacificropes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Welding%20Stack%2012_2017%202-1.jpg?width=5645&name=Welding%20Stack%2012_2017%202-1.jpg)   ![Money Tower Icon-01](https://www.pacificropes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Money%20Tower%20Icon-01-3.png?width=75&name=Money%20Tower%20Icon-01-3.png) ## The Results Despite the tight time schedule, we installed our access system and had the inspection completed in the very first shift. This gave us the remainder of the time to fix the problems that arose from the inspection, which included welding an entire new expansion joint. The expansion joint was then installed approximately 1/3rd of the way down a 400ft tall smoke stack. Work was carried out by our journeymen welders trained in IRATA rope access and confined space. With the success of this project, our client continues to use Pacific Ropes for all major access related projects. Interested in learning more about our rope access services? Schedule an intro meeting with us to see how Rope Access can be incorporated into your solution!  [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3894618/4b9ddc64-33ed-4986-8e3d-f7d680905860.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3894618/4b9ddc64-33ed-4986-8e3d-f7d680905860)     Topics: [Rope Access Services](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/rope-access-services) ### Subscribe to Pacific Ropes Blog Get the latest articles from Pacific Ropes here! Enter your email address below! ## Latest Content - [![IRATA L1 Certification: Requirements, Expiry, Validity (Clone - CPGT Version))](https://www.pacificropes.com/hubfs/IRATA%20Certification%20L1%20Feature%20Blog%20Image%20.png)](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/irata-l1-certification-requirements-expiry-validity-0) - [Rope Access Services](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/rope-access-services) ### September 05, 2025 [#### IRATA L1 Certification: Requirements, Expiry, Validity (Clone - CPGT Version)) ](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/irata-l1-certification-requirements-expiry-validity-0) IRATA L1 vs. SPRAT Certification Requirements: Your Path to Rope Access Proficiency [Read More](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/irata-l1-certification-requirements-expiry-validity-0) - [![Why Rope Access Is the Smart Alternative to Scaffolding](https://www.pacificropes.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Wind%20Turbine%20%20(1).png)](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/rope-access-vs-scaffolding) - [Rope Access Services](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/rope-access-services) ### August 06, 2025 [#### Why Rope Access Is the Smart Alternative to Scaffolding ](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/rope-access-vs-scaffolding) When you're up against tight timelines, complex job sites, or limited access, traditional scaffolding can feel like a headache waiting to happen. … [Read More](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/rope-access-vs-scaffolding) Category - [Rope Access Training](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/rope-access-training) - [Safety](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/safety-insights) - [Rope Access Services](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/rope-access-services) - [Blog](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/blog) - [IRATA](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/irata) - [Equipment](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/equipment) - [Corporate Training](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/corporate-training) - [SPRAT](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/sprat) - [Stories](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/stories) - [Covid-19](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/covid-19) - [Jobs](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/rope-access-job) - [Updates](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/updates) - [Pacific Ropes News](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/pacific-ropes-news) - [TACS](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/tag/tacs) --- [View all articles > ](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog) ## Pacific Ropes: Innovative Solutions Helping construction and energy industries access hard-to-reach locations with custom work at height solutions [Download our Brochure](https://www.pacificropes.com/blog/rope-access-blog/stack-inspection-repair#) × ### Registration Form × ![Download_Brochure](https://www.pacificropes.com/hubfs/Website%202021-GN/Form%20images/Download_Brochure.png) × ![contact_form](https://www.pacificropes.com/hubfs/Website%202021-GN/Form%20images/contact_form.png) ### Contact us