NEWS ARTICLE ARCHIVESSteel Protection Environmental Abrasion from Galvanizers AssociationHot dip galvanized steel provides considerably more abrasion protection than bare steel and painted steel structures. Even so, the designer should consider the particular micro environment to understand what affect, if any, it will have on the life of the galvanized structure. Other micro environments include articles buried or in long-term contact with soils, immersed in or splashed by fresh or salt water, contact with wood and bimetallic corrosion. Advice on these exposures is also available from the GAA. Micro Environments The micro-environment around a structure has consistently been shown to be an important element in the corrosion of metals. In many cases, the micro-environment can be influenced by design factors, while in other cases it can be influenced by external factors such as industrial processes. Identifying the prevailing conditions around the location of the article to be galvanized prior to finalising the design is critical in achieving the long-term durability of a structure. For example, the underside of a bridge, which is stretched over a body of water, will have a micro environment that is likely to differ from the general environment of the bridge. |