Steel is the most commonly used metal in the construction business. The benefits of structural steel make it possible for beam and steel plate fabricators to create various unique structures. These structures are exposed to the elements of the environment, and hence, preventing it from rusting is important. Rust is an oxide of iron. It is formed when environmental elements like oxygen, moisture, salt, etc. react with the steel metal. This process of oxidation is what we call as corrosion. When the steel structures corrode, the process not only makes the appearance bad, but it also makes the metal weak. If not protected, steel structures can fall apart due to excessive formation of rust. Here are some ways to prevent rusting that can be used by beams and steel plate fabricators.
Structural Steel Design
The way your steel beams, plates, and other steel structures are designed and used affect the formation of rust. Too many gaps in the design can allow the moisture to enter the beams and plates used in the construction. This will eventually result in the formation of rust. Getting your steel structures re-designed by a fabricator will help you eliminate these gaps. Also, the use of welding instead of bolts, and a proper drainage system can prevent gaps in your structures.
Galvanization
Applying a coat of zinc to steel protects rusting. The process of coating steel with a layer of zinc is known as galvanization. The process uses hot-dip galvanizing or electroplating technology. The rust created on the steel parts is transferred on the zinc layer and hence, protecting the steel from damage.
Organic Coating
Organic coating work as a barrier between the environmental elements and the steel. If this layer of protections wears out, steel is again exposed to corrosion process. There are various types of materials used for organic coatings. Oil painting is one of the widely used methods. Many oil-based coatings are available to protect steel parts from rusting.
Powder Coating
In this type, the barrier created to prevent steel from rusting is in the powdered form. Scratching or chipping off the powder coating leads to rusting of steel. The powder is applied electrostatically and is left under heat to form a skin like coating on the steel structures.
Maintenance
The most important step to prevent rusting of steel structures is maintaining it. Following any above process does not guarantee complete protection from rusting. You need to have regular maintenance to ensure that the protective layer or coating is still enacted and the steel is in good condition.
Rusting can lead to collapsing of the entire structure. The silver bridge collapse is an example that warns us to protect the beams and steel plates used in construction from rusting. Redesign your structures today with the help of beams and steel plate fabricators.
