Architectural hot dip galvanizing - hdgasa

Architectural hot dip galvanizing
An architect’s perspective on using hot
dip galvanized steel in structural designs
Jeremie Malan.
From an architect’s point of view, if
hot dip galvanizing is the chosen
option then the architect must have
the self-confidence and resolve to
implement it from the beginning,
according to Jeremie Malan of
Pretoria-based Jeremie Malan
Architects.
Malan, who has been a professional
architect for 30 years, is quite specific
about the commitment required
when hot dip galvanizing is specified
in a building project. Not only must
the architect’s drawings
accommodate the process, but the
engineer’s design and the
contractor’s shop drawings must take
into consideration this choice of
corrosion protection. This all adds
time to the process, so the client’s
acceptance of a longer time horizon
is requisite in successfully
completing the construction project.
Jeremie Malan would like to see the
galvanizers offer a shop drawing
service as part of the tender process,
which would make a difference in the
steel’s acceptance for quality and
save process time at the galvanizer.
“There is no doubt that hot dip
galvanizing makes sense in terms of
durability and ease of maintenance”,
says Malan “and once completed, the
clients have always been satisfied
with the outcome”.
“However, due to time constraints we
have only used this coating system
option on bigger projects and not for
private home owners”, he continues.
Exposing steel beams to the view of
the observer is part of the modernist
philosophy of architecture and
Jeremie Malan likes to see the
honesty in the materials he chooses
for a project. Hot dip galvanizing the
outside steel structures is an
excellent way of protecting the steel
while retaining the essence of the
material.
Projects designed by Jeremie Malan
Architects using hot dip galvanizing
have included the award winning
National Library of South Africa, the
University of Pretoria lecture halls
and the SANDF Health Base Depot in
Pretoria. The firm is currently busy
designing a training facility for
artisans in Gauteng, where hot dip
galvanizing has also been specified.
Support from the Hot Dip Galvanizers
Association of Southern Africa has
been essential to the success of the
projects undertaken by Jeremie
Malan’s firm. The association has
been able to assist in advising on the
detail specifications during the
design stage. Technical Director Terry
Smith has always been available for
on-site inspections as well as visits
to the steel manufacturer and
galvanizer to ensure the work is being
properly carried out.
Exposed hot dip galvanized steelwork at the National Library of SA in Pretoria.
Jeremie Malan believes involving the
selected galvanizer as well as the
contractor from the outset is the
ideal approach. He would like to see
the availability of more modular
components that are bolted together
on site in order to lessen the effects
of indiscriminate site alterations and
coating repair. From an aesthetic
point of view both the silicon-killed
steel and/or aluminium-killed steel
are acceptable, although a range of
colour choices would give the
designer more flexibility. He wonders
if it would be possible to develop a
process of hot dip galvanizing on a
wider range of steel types.
4 Hot Dip Galvanizing Today Volume 9 Issue 3 2012