Abstract
Those steel structures which are subject to repainting during service are considered, particularly those subject to exposed atmospheric conditions. Since any major improvement in paint life is dependent on surface preparation, alternative methods are examined. Mechanical shot blasting is the cheapest method for structural steel, but it is only possible prior to fabrication. The choice of prime coats, which must satisfy several requirements, lies between paint, oil, and metallic coatings. It is believed that suitable paint could be developed. No suitable oil is yet available, and of the metallic coatings sprayed aluminium is the most suitable.
Fabrication difficulties, and in particular welding, require further investigation.
The cost of painting a structure during a life of fifty years shows that surface preparation prior to fabrication is economical.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.