The Importance of Hot Dip Galvanizing in Modern Traffic Solutions
Hot dip galvanizing is always recommended to enhance the lifespan and functionality of critical traffic solutions, including W-Beam guardrails and other installations. The process offers superior protection against the harmful effects of time and natural corrosion, making it an indispensable technique in constructing and maintaining road safety infrastructure.
In this article, the leading galvanizers at Armco Superlite explain the importance of hot dip galvanizing and why it should be applied before installing road safety equipment.
What Is Hot Dip Galvanizing?
This process involves coating steel with a protective layer by immersing the metal in molten zinc. It provides an immediate protective barrier that guards against the elements, helping road safety equipment withstand harsh environmental conditions for decades. Offering durability and cost-efficiency, galvanization is the ideal solution for maintaining safety equipment in areas subjected to extreme weather, high traffic, and constant exposure to corrosive agents.
The Role of Hot Dip Galvanizing in Road Safety Equipment
When applied to road safety equipment like W-Beam guardrails, wire rope safety fences, and other metal barriers, the process significantly extends their lifespan, even in challenging environments. By creating a lasting protective layer, galvanizing shields the underlying steel from rust and corrosion, ensuring these systems remain functional and safe for much longer than their non-galvanized counterparts.
For example, W-Beam guardrails, engineered to absorb the impacts of vehicles and prevent them from veering off roadways, are often exposed to harsh weather. Without protection, the steel components could rust over time, compromising their ability to serve as a protective barrier. However, when these rails are treated with the hot dip process, they gain a corrosion-resistant coating that preserves their structural integrity for 80 years or more, even in environments prone to rusting.
How the Process Protects Against Corrosion
Corrosion is one of the biggest threats to the longevity of steel components. The combination of moisture, oxygen, and environmental pollutants can cause untreated metal to rust and degrade quickly, rendering safety systems ineffective and unsafe. However, hot dip galvanizing offers a reliable solution. When steel is submerged in molten zinc, a metallurgical bond forms between the zinc and the iron in the steel. This bond creates a protective layer that acts as a physical barrier, preventing corrosive substances from reaching the metal surface. Even if the galvanized coating is scratched, the zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, corroding before the underlying steel. Additionally, zinc has self-healing properties, further enhancing the protection.
Reducing Maintenance Costs
Because hot dip galvanizing provides long-lasting protection against corrosion, road safety components require less frequent repairs or replacements, drastically reducing maintenance costs. Historically, uncoated steel structures often needed repainting or replacement every few years to maintain their effectiveness. With galvanized structures, this cost-intensive maintenance is significantly reduced, resulting in remarkable savings over time. Moreover, the durability of galvanized products means they are less likely to suffer from wear and tear associated with extreme weather, coastal environments, and heavy traffic. The protective coating ensures the integrity of the safety equipment is preserved, leading to fewer damaged barriers or guardrails that would otherwise require costly replacements or constant repairs.
An Affordable Investment
While the initial cost of hot dip galvanizing may seem higher than other protective coatings, the long-term benefits make it a cost-effective solution for road safety equipment. The extended lifespan of these products means the total cost of ownership is much lower compared to alternatives that require frequent, labour-intensive restoration.
Why Partner with Armco Superlite?
At Armco Superlite, we consistently comply with the various regulatory bodies that oversee our industry regarding galvanization. We also welcome random quality inspections by these authorities. This dedication has ensured we have been awarded numerous new projects throughout Africa. We pride ourselves on maintaining the stamps of approval of three regulatory bodies – namely ISO, SABS, and SANS – annually and hold the prestigious SATAS mark for hot dip galvanization.
So, for road safety equipment or any other hot dip galvanizing project, consult with us today. Arm yourself with Armco – international galvanization leaders.