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Field Handling Techniques: HDG vs. Fusion Bonded Epoxy-Coated

The galvanized coating uniquely provides both barrier and cathodic protection to the steel. First, galvanizing’s barrier protection is superior to other barrier coatings due to the formation of a permanent bond with the steel. Other barrier coatings, such as fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE), rely strictly on surface adhesion to the steel. To learn more about the coating visit the Coating Properties section of the website.

The following PDF details the field handling techniques that should be employed when installing either hot-dip galvanized or fusion-bonded epoxy-coated reinforcement:

Field Handling Table: Hot-Dip Galvanizing vs. Fusion-Bonded Epoxy (AGA) (47 KB)     (47 KB)

Bending Galvanized Rebar

Hot-dip galvanized reinforcing steel can either be bent prior to galvanizing or after the galvanized coating has been applied.  When bending prior to galvanizing, it is recommended that the the minimum finished bend diameter be as large as possible to avoid strain-age embrittlement from excessive cold forming of the steel.

When bending galvanized rebar after the hot-dip galvanizing process, some cracking or flaking of the galvanized coating at the bend may occur.  The speed of which the article is bent also may affect the coating integrity.  The galvanized coating is best maintained at slower bend speeds.  Some cracking and flaking of the galvanized coating in the bend area is not cause for rejection.  Any flaking or cracking can be repaired by an acceptable repair method (see Touch-up & Repair).

Usually when cracking, or flaking, of the coating occurs on the bent section of the rebar, the outer zinc layer is the only layer that cracks.  Coating thickness measurements will indicate that the zinc-iron alloy layers are still intact to provide numerous years of corrosion protection.

Touch-up & Repair

Although galvanized coatings are highly abrasion resistant, coating damage may occur once the galvanized steel leaves the galvanizer’s facility due to extremely rough handling, installation techniques, or in-service conditions. There are methods available to ensure post-galvanizing coating integrity.

There are three widely available accepted touch-up and repair methods: zinc-rich paint, zinc-based solder, and zinc flame spray (metallizing).

Zinc-rich paint

Organic or inorganic zinc-rich paint for touching up and/or repairing galvanized steel should contain between 65-69% zinc by weight, or >92% by weight metallic zinc in dry film. Inorganic zinc-rich paints are more effective than organic in terms of delivering corrosion protection, and they do not shrink after drying/curing as organic coatings do. This is a major advantage when the paint is applied to corners, edges and rough surfaces.

Zinc-rich paint is brush- or spray-applied to a clean, dry steel surface. Spraying or brushing should be in a single application of multiple passes according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions. Zinc painting can be done on the job-site and is the easiest repair method to perform because limited equipment is required.

Zinc-based Solder

Soldering with zinc-based alloys consists of applying zinc alloy -in stick or powder form -to the area to be repaired, which has been preheated to approximately 600 F (315 C). Common repair solders include zinc-tin-lead, zinc-cadmium and zinc-tin-copper alloys.

The surface to be reconditioned shall be wire-brushed, lightly ground, or mild blast-cleaned. All weld flux and spatter must be removed by mechanical methods if wire brushing or light abrasive-blasting is inadequate. The cleaned area should be preheated to 600 F (315 C) and wire-brushed at the same time. Care must be taken to not burn the surrounding galvanized coating. When the repair has been completed, flux residue can be removed by water rinsing or wiping with a damp cloth.

Zinc Flame Spray (Metallizing)

Metallizing is the melting of zinc powder or zinc wire in a flame or electric arc and projecting the molten zinc droplets by air or gas onto the surface to be coated. The zinc used is nominally 99.5% pure or better. The performance of wire versus powder is comparable. Zinc-aluminum alloys also can be used. The application equipment used may limit the concentration of aluminum.