The American Galvanizers Association (AGA) has released a comprehensive app to aid in the inspection of hot-dip galvanized steel.
The Inspection of Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel app is a visual guide to identifying various surface conditions present after hot-dip galvanizing. “The advantage of a picture-based app is it provides inspectors, architects and engineers who may be unfamiliar with the specific outcomes of the galvanizing process with a visual example of a surface condition similar to one they are viewing for their particular project,” said AGA executive director Philip Rahrig.
Each image in the app is accompanied by text identifying the industry term for the surface appearance and detailing how and why it occurs, and whether or not it is accepted according to the specification. “Although approximately 3.5 million tons of structural shapes, plate, fasteners and tubing are hot-dip galvanized each year in the U.S. and Canada, the design of products and the chemistry of steel being galvanized yields an array of results which are often misinterpreted,” Rahrig said. “This app provides an immediate understanding of surface conditions, which makes it handy when there is an inspection question.”
In addition to the visual interpretation of surface conditions, the app also contains critical specification (ASTM, ISO, AASHTO) information to assess compliance with coating thickness requirements, as well as how to conduct repairs.
The app is available for purchase for $4.99 in both the Apple and Google Play stores; visit galvanizeit.org/mobile for the download links.