Volume 6, Issue 2

  

Keep Your Maintenance Costs in Mind

The maintenance costs of corrosion protection systems are often overlooked when deciding what type of corrosion protection to use on a project.  Typically, systems are selected by their applicability in a certain environment and their initial cost.  It is important not to overlook the costs of maintaining the corrosion protection over the life of the structure since most structures are intended to last longer than the corrosion protection systems used to protect them.  Maintaining paint systems over a long period of time will involve touch-up painting, and complete repainting in order to provide uniform corrosion protection throughout a structure's life.  These costs can add up substantially over the design life of a structure.  In the AGA's effort to update the publication Hot-Dip Galvanizing for Corrosion Prevention: A Specifier's Guide, some startling statistics were discovered when comparing the maintenance of a galvanized coating to the maintenance costs of robust paint systems that are often specified in lieu of hot-dip galvanizing. Read More.

 
 

 

Q: The application of a galvanized coating to steel obviously increases the weight of the fabrication; however, is the increased weight significant enough that it needs to be accounted for during shipping and handling?

A: In certain instances the weight applied by the galvanizing process can become a factor during shipping and handling. The galvanized coating on average can increase the weight of black steel from 0.5 to 8% depending on the type of steel. The increased weight of a steel product is dependent on a host of factors including steel chemistry, surface conditions (i.e. surface preparation), steel thickness, galvanizing temperature, and other galvanizing process parameters. Let's take a look at an example to explain how the steel and the galvanizing process can influence the weight of steel. Read More.

 
 

 


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This official publication of the American Galvanizers Association, Inc. (AGA) does not necessarily reflect the view of the board of directors or AGA members. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy. Any errors are strictly accidental and may be corrected in a subsequent issue. This material provides general information only and is not intended as a substitute for competent, professional examination and verification as to suitability and applicability. The publication of the material herein is not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of the AGA. Anyone making use of this information assumes all liability arising from such use. Questions or comments about this publication should be directed to the AGA. Comments and suggestions are encouraged.

Copyright © 2006 American Galvanizers Association. The material provided herein has been developed to provide accurate and authoritative information about after-fabrication hot-dip galvanized steel. This material provides general information only and is not intended as a substitute for competent professional examination and verification as to suitability and applicability. The information provided herein is not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of the AGA. Anyone making use of this information assumes all liability arising from such use.