American Galvanizers Association14
Talbot Substation
Dayton, Washington
One of the great benefits of utilizing
hot-dip galvanized steel for corrosion
protection is galvanized pieces can be
easily stored for future use. This means
owners can stockpile elements they know they
will need for replacement or expansion,
buying when prices are low and creating a
stockpile of usable goods for the future.
This can be especially advantageous
for structures such as substations,
distribution towers, cell phone towers,
highway and transportation products
(guardrail, sign poles, light poles,
handrails) and more.
A substation, like the one above, can
easily stockpile and even store elements
on site, exposed to the elements. As
they lie in wait to be used, the durable
zinc barrier and cathodic protection will
keep the pieces corrosion-free and ready
for use at a later date.
Forty-seven tons of steel were
galvanized for the Talbot substation,
including all structural steel,
fasteners, anchor bolts, concrete
embeds, bollards, light fixture mounting
brackets, and all switch operator
grounding platforms. Replacement parts
for these pieces and more could easily
be bought ahead of time and stored,
waiting for use, with the protection
of galvanized steel.
Availability & Versatility
in other environments
ere are a number of other environments where hot-dip
galvanized steel is commonly specied for its longevity. Some
environments where hot-dip galvanized steel can perform
well are in chemical solutions with neutral pH (4-13), in
contact with treated wood, and in extreme temperatures (-40
F to 392 F). Environments where HDG is not recommended
are chemical solutions with pH levels outside those listed, and
in contact with other metals. Two exceptions to the dissimilar
metals rule are aluminum and stainless steel unless they are in
the presence of salt water or air with a high chloride content.
availability & versatility
Hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel is versatile and readily available.
A wide variety of shapes and sizes ranging from small nuts,
bolts, and fasteners to larger structural pieces, to even the most
intricately detailed artistic pieces, can be galvanized. Because of
the total immersion process, even complex fabrications can be
coated entirely for corrosion protection.
Many corrosion protection methods depend on proper temperature
and humidity conditions for correct application. However,
because hot-dip galvanizing is a factory controlled process, it can
be accomplished 24/7/365 rain or shine. Zinc solidies upon
withdrawal from the bath, so there are no delays for curing; and
galvanized steel could realistically be galvanized, shipped to the site,
and erected on the same day. On the other hand, if the galvanized
material does not need to be installed immediately, it is easily stored
outside, as UV rays do not degrade the coating’s integrity.
abundant materials
As North America continues to strive for sustainable development,
the same thinking should be applied to the materials used in
construction. Another characteristic of zinc, making it ideally
suited for this job is its abundance. e main materials used in the
galvanizing process, zinc and steel are common; in fact, zinc is the
27th most abundant material in the earth’s crust, and iron is the
4th. Zinc and steel are also both 100% recyclable without the loss
of any chemical or physical properties – steel is the most recycled
material in the world.
Zinc is a natural element found in air, soil, and water. Approximately
5.8 million tons of zinc are cycled through the atmosphere annually
through natural phenomena. Zinc is also common and essential to
life. Zinc is found in a number of products we use daily such as
cosmetics, tires, cold remedies, baby creams to prevent diaper rash,
treatments for sunburns, and sunscreens. In fact, zinc oxide blocks
more UV rays than any other single ingredient used in sunscreen.
Furthermore, we all require zinc to live as it helps with regular
functions such as vision, reproduction, digestion, and breathing.
efficiency
With galvanized steel, you can do more with less. Because of the high
strength-to-weight ratio, specifying projects with steel saves materials
and energy. In fact, on average one ton of steel provides the same
strength as 8 tons of concrete, and according to the World Steel
Association, the strength-to-weight ratio minimizes substructure costs
and can also save money on transportation and handling.