EDITION 2 www.ZINK.

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ZINCNEWS
I N F O R M AT I O N F R O M T H E W O R L D O F Z I N C

FIRST-RATE PROTECTION MODERN ARCHITECTURE BEAUTIFUL WITHOUT RUST

Hot-dip galvanzing is economically and
ecologically more sensible than the use of
other surface coatings. However, there are
still a large number of options left, especial-
ly in the construction sector.
Page 2
Steel is needed for top performances in
modern architecture. But not without hot-
dip galvanizing. Because modern architec-
ture is precisely where corrosion protec-
tion is important.
Page 3
On staircase railings, in greenhouses, and
snow guards if you take a good look
round your home, youll find the silvery
bright crystal pattern of hot-galvanized sur-
faces almost everywhere.
Page 4

STEEL AND ZINC Esthetic long-term protection

INSEPARABLY CONNECTED
Durability is what distinguishes hot- HOT-DIP GALVANIZING IN CIVIL
dip galvanizing from all other corrosion
protection techniques. This is due to the
inseperable link that is forged between
architecture
steel, on the one hand, and zinc, on the
other.

Hot-dip galvanizing (Stckverzinken) means

sheathing pieces of steel with a massive,
metallic coating of zinc. This is done by im-
mersing pieces of steel into liquid-hot zinc
up to about 450C. Unlike other techniques,
hot-dip galvanizing sets into motion a me-
tallurgic reaction that causes steel and zinc
to form iron-zinc-alloys that are usually
overlaid by a pure zinc layer of between 50
and 100 m. This alloy is instrumental in
making this corrosion protection so unique-
ly strong, abrasion-resistant and robust
that it can easily withstand even extreme
mechanical forces during transport, instal-
lation and actual usage. Hot-dip galvanizing Like no other substance, zinc plays a central through hot-dip galvanizing. Hot-dip galvani-
provides protection that usually lasts 50 role in our lives. The elegant lightness and zing is also used in countless lesser-known
years or even longer. The largest hot-dip high resilience of modern steel constructions but architecturally no less imposing buildings.
galvanizing facilities in Germany have zinc are convincing arguments in favor of this fas- Apartment and office buildings, towers and
baths with a length of up to 17 meters and cinating material. However, steel corrodes due bridges are only a few typical examples.
can hot-dip galvanize steel parts of up to 25 to climatic influences and other forces, and
meters in length. therefore it needs to be protected. Hot-dip gal-
vanizing provides the most durable corrosion
protection for steel. Steel needs zinc.

Numerous world-famous buildings, such as

the Hongkong-Shanghai bank or the Allianz-
Arena in Munich, rely on corrosion protection

INITIATIVE ZINK in der WirtschaftsVereinigung Metalle Dr.-Ing. Sabina Grund Am Bonneshof 5 D-40474 Dsseldorf Tel. +49 (2 11) 4 79 61 76 Fax +49 (2 11) 4 79 62 51 76
ZINCNEWS

Interview

PROTECTING RESOURCES AND PRESER-

VING ASSETS
We come across hot- of hot-dip galvanizing reinforced steel is taking on greater significance
dip galvanized steel in the construction sector. This is because older concrete constructions
every day. Speaking sometimes have considerable corrosion problems which could have
with Jrgen Marberg, been prevented by early hot-dip galvanizing.
managing director of
the hot dip galvani- How sustainable is hot-dip galvanizing?
zers association of Marberg: Hot-dip galvanizing is extremely sustainable. Hot-dip galva-
Germany, we mana- nizing uses modern plant engineering based on circular flows. Further-
ged to discover a lot more, as long-term corrosion protection, it contributes significantly to
of information about preserving existing resources. Hot-dip galvanized steel can be recycled
hot-dip galvanizing, without any difficulty. Recycled zinc can then be re-utilized without any
about current trends loss of quality.
and also about per-
manence.

Mr. Marberg, whats so special about hot-dip galvanizing?

Marberg: Hot-dip galvanizing provides extremely long-lived corrosion
protection for steel, which is highly resistant to mechanical stress and
does not require any maintenance or upkeep. Another advantage is the
ATTRACTIVE
all-round protection for hollow bodies such as pipes, which are pro-
tected against corrosion not only from the outside but also from the
inside. In addition to this, hot-dip galvanizing preserves the metallic
surface look of steel, a characteristic feature that many architects take
a lot of pride in.

What relevance does hot-dip galvanizing have in Germany?

Marberg: Without any doubt, hot-dip galvanizing makes an enourmous
contribution to protecting resources and preserving assets. You must
keep in mind that in Germany alone corrosion is accountable for econo-
mic losses amounting to 90 billion euros every year. And without hot-dip
galvanizing, these losses would be a lot higher. However, this econo-
mically problematic wastage could be significantly reduced by more
hot-dip galvanizing. At present, public opinion tends to underestimate
the importance of corrosion protection. Currently 1.3 million tons of
steel per year are hot-dip galvanized by about 160 galvanizing plants
in Germany.

ISNT IT GOOD TO KNOW THAT ZINC

Whats the current trend in hot-dip galvanizing?
Marberg: Due to its enormous efficiency, hot-dip galvanizing has so far
been nearly unrivaled, and will probably remain so. However, a number
CAN ALWAYS BE RELIED ON?
Take refined surfaces, for example. Regardless of whether it is used to preserve outside
staircases, railings, guardrails or buildings of modern steel-glass architecture hot-dip
galvanizing protects construction steel permanently against corrosion and withstands
considerable mechanical stress. However, the amazing number of ways in which zinc

of new market segments have been opened up in recent years. For can be used does not stop with corrosion protection.
To learn more about the remarkable qualities of this fascinating building material, go to:
WWW.ZINK.DE
example, take truck trailers in the utility vehicle sector. Also, the process

Modern Architecture
HOW HOT-DIP GALVANIZING CAN BE USED
Bar Code Design
The ERCO high rack warehouse P3 in Lden-
scheid, Germany is an outstanding example of
contempo-rary industrial architecture.
Architects Schneider + Schumachers had to
find a solution to a seemingly commonplace
problem, which was how to wrap up a hot-
dip galvanized high rack warehouse availa-
ble as bulk stock. They came up with a light
sculpture whose cubical wrapping is made of
hot-dip galvanized steel. The building evokes
associations of a bar code.
Delicate, light and bright
Situated between forests and vineyards, with a
magnificent view of Stuttgart, you come across
a three-strory apartment house from the fifties,
made of stone, whose original hipped roof has
been substituted by a modern superstructure
made of hot-dip galvanized steel. Its silvery
bright zinc coating makes the superstructure
appear delicate, light and bright.
Zero emission plant
When architects Banz + Riecks had to decide
which materials to use in their draft of a zero
emission plant, maximum durability was a
central criterion. The structure is a groundbrea-
king innovation, not only within the framework
of urban planning but also architecturally and
technically. It consumes 80 per cent less ener-
gy than conventional industrial facilities while
the rest is completely covered by regenerative
energies. Hot-dip galvanizing was used as cor-
rosion protection for steel constructions.
EDITION 2
Solar wings follow the sun
Near Emmerthal, Hameln, you can find the
hot-dip galvanized EXPO tower, dedicated to
information and technology. The structure with
its solar wings, which is somehow reminiscent
of a space station and provides its own ener-
gy, transforms the tower into an architectural
monument that is dynamically controlled by
the sun. Just like a sun-dial, the time of day
is indicated by the ever-changing positions of
its wings.
A masterpiece of tower architecture
Since time immemorial, observation towers
have been numbered among the places that
inspire mans phantasy. This applies notably
to the Killesbergturm in Stuttgart, which re-
presents an innovative masterpiece of tower
architecture. Derived from a cooling towers
construction principle, the Killesbergturm is
an extraordinary observation tower 40 m high
and made of hot-dip galvanized steel. Encom-
passing four spacious observation platforms, it
demonstrates convincingly that state-of-the-
art architectural technology can be reconciled
with man and nature. While youre either going
up or down the tower via a double helix stair-
case, you are amazed by the almost endless
number of things to look at.
 ZINCNEWS
Focus: Single-family homes
BEAUTIFUL HOUSES AND GARDENS WITHOUT RUST
Hot-dip galvanized surfaces are en vogue
and provide ideal protection against corro-
sion. With its typical silvery bright crystal
pattern, hot-dip galvanizing brings out vi-
sual highlights in houses and gardens.
Traffic
MORE SAFETY ON
OUR ROADS
Hot-dip galvanizing has become so common-
place on our roads that it is easily overlooked.
However, it is precisely here that this long-las-
ting and robust corrosion protection displays
its strengths by providing more safety. Crash
and noise barriers, handrails, lampposts, traf-
fic lights and sign gantries, traffic sign posts
and mountings are typical hot-dip galvanized
02/07/2006_FF
constructions.
Applications of hot-dip galvanizing in houses
are balcony or terrace railings, staircases, car-
ports, conservatories or steel-made window
grills. Please note that nowadays nearly eve-
rything that is made of steel is available also
with a hot-dip galvanized coating.
Sustainability
HOT-DIP GALVANIZING BEATS COATING
Hot-dip galvanized surfaces last longer than
mere surface coatings. This is shown by the
results of several scientific studies, conducted
by the well-known VTT Center of Research
in Finland and by the Technical University in
Berlin, where criteria such as effects on global
EDITION 2
Housebuilders can give their imagination full
scope. In gardens, hot-dip galvanized steel is
widely used due to its esthetic qualities. You
can find it in garden furniture, fences, play-
ground equipment, greenhouses, and wate-
ring pots, to name but a few examples.
In houses with modern or classical architec-
ture, hot-dip galvanizing displays its natural-
metallic charm to advantage, especially when
used in combination with materials such as
wood, stone, or in plastered areas, or even
near plants. Hot-dip galvanizing does not have
to be renewed after only a few years, using
brush and sandpaper. On the contrary, it pro-
vides enduring protection against corrosion
without the necessity of maintenance. This is
why it is generally advisable to hot-dip galva-
nize everything that is outside the house and
exposed to wheathering conditions, thus en-
suring that steel does not corrode and remains
esthetic for many years to come.
warming, acidity and ozone formation were
tested. On all three counts, hot-dip galvanizing
did a lot better than surface coating.
Publisher:
WirtschaftsVereinigung Metalle e.V.
INITIATIVE ZINK
Frau Dr.-Ing. Grund
Am Bonneshof 5 | D-40474 Dsseldorf
Tel. +49 (2 11) 4 79 60
Fax +49 (2 11) 4 79 62 51 76
Concept, Layout & Text:
TazlThielen Kommunikation GmbH
www.tazlthielen.com
Photos:
Page 1: Allianz Arena Mnchen Stadion GmbH
Page 3, top right: N+W Architekten BDA
Page 4, bottom left: Mehrsi.org
Other Photos: Institut Feuerverzinken