Steel material with a tensile strength less than approximately 125 ksi (860 MPa) can be hot-dip galvanized, if that is an option in the appropriate ASTM specification (See Table 2.1). Steel material with a greater strength should not be hot-dip galvanized. As the yield stress increases, the possibility of hydrogen embrittlement increases because hydrogen is absorbed into the steel during the pickling process. Blast cleaning rather than pickling should be used for alloy materials.

Electro-deposited zinc coating can be applied to 1 inch (25 mm) diameters and smaller. Material sizes larger than a 1 inch (25 mm) diameter can be coated with an inorganic zinc-rich paint or other coating system specifically selected for corrosion protection.

A wet storage stain (white rust) should be prevented. Wet stain is a "voluminous white or gray deposit." It can form when closely packed, newly galvanized items are stored or shipped in damp or poorly ventilated conditions. This should not be confused with the normal process of weathering of the galvanized coating.

2.4.4.3 Cold-Applied Zinc

A cold-applied, organic, zinc-rich compound primer or coating should be used for field touch-up of galvanized bolts that have areas damaged during shipment or erection. Commercial zinc products for touch-up are zinc-rich paint, zinc spraying, or brushed molten zinc. A touch up paint should have 94% zinc dust in the dry film and should be applied to a dry film thickness of 8 mils (0.20 mm), minimum. Refer to ASTMA 780 for additional information.

2.4.4.4 Insulation and Fireproofing

Anchor bolts encased in weathertight or cementious insulation or fireproofing required for equipment normally do not require corrosion protection. If conditions exist for moisture to collect under the insulation or fireproofing, the anchor bolts should be coated with a zinc-based primer or other coating similar to that to be used for the equipment. Two coats of primer, for a total dry film thickness of 3-4 mils (0.08 to 0.10 mm), should provide the necessary corrosion protection for this service.

2.4.5 Weathering Steel (ASTM A588)

Weathering steels develop a tight oxide coating that protects against corrosion of the substrate. In certain environments, they will provide a relatively maintenance- free application. The material will form a protective surface with loss of metal thickness of about 2 mils (0.05 mm). Steels conforming to ASTM A588 will provide atmospheric corrosion resistance that is 4 to 6 times the corrosion resistance of ordinary carbon steels.

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