A Structural Detailers Guide to Galvanizing
When designing and detailing a structure, which is to be hot-dip galvanized, it must be borne in mind that the items or assemblies are to be immersed into and withdrawn from a bath of molten zinc heated to a temperature of 450° C.
Design, detailing and fabrication is required to conform to acceptable standards, which apply regardless of whether a hot dip galvanizing or painted coating is to be applied. In the case of hot-dip galvanizing, there are some additional design and fabrication requirements which are required to be part of the detail drawings - these will avoid the effects of distortion, and allow access and drainage for the cleaning solutions and molten zinc during galvanizing.
This series of articles will provide general information to assist the structural detailer on basic detailing practice.
- The Galvanizing Process – Here we will look at the galvanizing process to provide some background for the structural detailer to understand how the entire process works, from cleaning and de-greasing to forming the finished coating
- Welding Guidelines – There are numerous do’s-and-don’ts for the detailer to observe when detailing welded structures to be galvanized
- Avoid Distortion – Distortion of the piece after it’s been galvanized and cooled can be a major headache for the fabricator. But many of the causes of distortion can be avoided by applying good detailing practice.
- Venting and Draining – is probably the most important issue for the structural detailer, any deviations from best practice will have consequences, not only for the fabricator, but the galvanizer as well.
- Galvanizing Open Sections – though generally not a major problem, there are certain rules that must be applied. These examples and detailing guidelines should be observed by the structural detailer.
- Galvanizing Hollow Sections – can be more problematic, but by following these simple guidelines and tips, the detailer should be able to overcome any difficulties that may arise.
- Galvanizing Frames and Assemblies – can be even more so, but following these simple guidelines, the structural detailer should be able to solve any difficulties.
For more information on these issues and requirements by the galvanizer you may refer to the following links:
The Galvanizers Association (UK)
American Galvanizers Association
European General Galvanizers Association
Hot Dip Galvanizers Association of Southern Africa
The Galvanizers Association of Australia