BRAND-NEW
Spray Galvanising as Essential for Motorist Safety Numerous accidents have been caused by the corrosion of bridge and tunnel support structures. Hot spray galvanising is a useful protective solution that ensures that both structural and non-structural elements have a service life of more than 80 years.
T
he death of a truck driver in the Lehigh tunnel in Pennsylvania (USA), occurred on February 21, 2018, was caused by
the detachment of a lighting fixture from the vault due to the breaking of a corroded support bracket. The analysis conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) confirmed that the PVC coated bracket was completely corroded. Subsequent inspections found that other similar support systems were corroded and these were immediately replaced. It is worth noting that spray galvanising is the most effective corrosion protection system in such highly corrosive environments, not only for structural elements, such as the iron reinforcements of reinforced concrete, but also for non-structural ones, including lighting systems, sign posts, gutters, etc. Indeed, spray galvanising is the only system that enables to apply zinc coatings up to 300-500 microns,
© Wikipedia
guaranteeing a service life of more than 80 years before first maintenance is required. For further information: www.colimet.it
Top: The entrance to the Lehigh tunnel in Pennsylvania (USA), where in February 2018 a lamp broke off causing the death of a truck driver.
© Motorionline S.r.l.
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N. 67 - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 - international PAINT&COATING magazine
Bottom: In December 2019, a part of the ceiling of the Berté tunnel along the A26 motorway in Italy (Genova-Gravellona Toce section) collapsed, fortunately without consequences for the drivers of passing vehicles.