Minor ATON structures are typically made from which materials?

Minor ATON structures are typically made from which materials?

• A. Relatively simple in design and construction, and are usually made of wood or concrete piles, steel piles, or other steel structural shapes
• B. Always made of plastic
• C. Always lighted
• D. Never use steel piles

Answer: (A)

Minor ATON structures are built to be simple and economical to install and maintain in a marine environment. They are typically constructed using traditional piling and steel framing options because these materials give enough strength and durability for smaller aids without overcomplicating the design. Wood or concrete piles are common for lighter, smaller structures, while steel piles or other steel-shaped members provide greater rigidity and longevity where needed. Plastic isn’t a typical choice for these structures because it doesn’t hold up as well under saltwater exposure and UV light over time. And while some minor ATON are unlit or daylight marks, many are indeed built with steel piles, so the notion that steel piles are never used isn’t accurate. In short, the listed materials—wood or concrete piles, steel piles, or other steel structural shapes—best describe how minor ATON are usually built.

Minor ATON structures are built to be simple and economical to install and maintain in a marine environment. They are typically constructed using traditional piling and steel framing options because these materials give enough strength and durability for smaller aids without overcomplicating the design. Wood or concrete piles are common for lighter, smaller structures, while steel piles or other steel-shaped members provide greater rigidity and longevity where needed. Plastic isn’t a typical choice for these structures because it doesn’t hold up as well under saltwater exposure and UV light over time. And while some minor ATON are unlit or daylight marks, many are indeed built with steel piles, so the notion that steel piles are never used isn’t accurate. In short, the listed materials—wood or concrete piles, steel piles, or other steel structural shapes—best describe how minor ATON are usually built.