BRIDGES

Goldseal is the only coating available that can link and seal a bridge’s dissimilar components in an active, penetrating and encapsulating barrier coat.

All bridges are assembled out of a variety of substrates and fittings, with their lifespan depending on how well this combination of products resists corrosion. When structural elements are new they tend to last for approximately 20 years before water or contaminants create corrosion cells — which often happens at the connection points of these assets. While corrosion might be hardly visible, it accelerates fast, eating away at load or stress points or getting into areas that expand, contract and vibrate. Often, whole structures are replaced due to just 10% of critical corrosion damage.

As a leading corrosion control option, Goldseal’s cost-effective IHS is one of very few coatings that preserves whole structures by encapsulating dissimilar elements, and protecting and sealing weak points that begin to appear. It has been applied to bridge bearings in confined spaces for many years and is recommended by international consultants for its ability to be applied with little surface preparation. Goldseal IHS has no low temperature cure issues or health and safety issues involving solvents, catalysts or VOC toxicity. 

How can you avoid costly bridge maintenance?

If left untreated, unwashed corrosion zones can blow maintenance budgets. Rain shadows lead to unwashed environments that are covered in marine salt, agriculture fertiliser from topdressing, or wind blown elements from local industry. Because handrails get washed by rain yet bridge undersides do not, white acrylic is great for handrail maintenance but rust often develops underneath bridges. When this happens, it’s difficult to assess what should be done. What might seem like a full bridge replacement solution may not be the case, with Goldseal IHS able to cost-effectively extend its service life.

Grey District Council NZ – Sir Stanley Gooseman bridge