Painting of Metal-Sprayed Structural Steelwork: Report on the condition of specimens after 10 years’ exposure

Abstract

Exposure trials begun in 1961–62 have demonstrated that the right type of composite protective scheme of sprayed metal and paint can protect steel for 10 years or more in the environments which have been used for these tests.

When failures have occurred, they have for the most part been predictable, and are the results of poor practice. Weathering of incomplete schemes has proved deleterious, and should be avoided whenever possible.

Repainting of a selection of failed schemes has also been carried out, and has demonstrated the importance of using the correct scheme for this purpose.