Introduction – Aluminum and aluminum alloys exhibit good corrosion resistance by virtue of a layer of aluminum oxide that forms on the surface. While aluminum is often not coated because of its good corrosion resistance properties, there are occasions when coatings are applied to provide added protection in given environments (e.g., when the pH is …
This podcast discusses different types of inspector certifications to hopefully provide clarity on the subject, since there are a number of inspector certifications available through organizations like SSPC, NACE, and more. Featuring KTA Chief Operating Officer, Bill Corbett, and moderated by KTA President, Ken Trimber. You can view the podcast on Youtube, listen on Soundcloud, …
Quality programs frequently require instrumentation used to obtain measurements (to determine conformance to a governing specification) to be calibrated and verified for accuracy, but oftentimes do not provide the frequency or methodology; only that it must be done. This brief article explains calibration, verification of accuracy, and adjustment, and contains a convenient reference table listing …
Facility owners frequently rely upon 3rd-party quality assurance (QA) verification of all forms of steel and concrete fabrication, coatings application, non-destructive testing (NDT), and cathodic protection (CP) system installation and maintenance. While specific reasons for engaging 3rd-party QA services vary, in general, facility owners want to know that their projects are being constructed in shops …
Introduction When applying coating system to structures such as bridges, tanks, and pipelines the main goal is to apply a continuous film to help prevent structural deterioration throughout the life of the structure. Unaddressed discontinuities can result in undercutting corrosion of the substrate, where the integrity of the structure could be prematurely compromised. This article …
Holiday Detection and Dielectric Strength Issues Read More »
When a coating system fails prematurely, it is rarely because of the coating itself. Either the surface preparation was inadequate, the surface was contaminated, or the coating was mixed or applied incorrectly. As the old adage goes, a house is only as strong as the foundation it is built on. When it comes to coatings, …
What is a “Dust-Free Surface?” ISO Method Versus Practical Evaluation Read More »
ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Energy Standard 90.1-2010 and the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code require that building envelopes be designed to limit uncontrolled air leakage into and out of buildings. Air leakage in buildings is controlled at the time of construction by installing air barrier systems. ASTM E1186-17, “Standard Practices for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes …
Localized Assessment of Air Leakage in Building Air Barriers Read More »
Introduction Adhesion is an important physical characteristic of applied coating films and systems, and testing is frequently used as an indicator to whether an adequate bond exists between the substrate and primer (first coat) and/or between coats in multiple coat applications. Adhesion testing may be a requirement of a coating specification, or may be used …
Coating Adhesion Testing using Knife/Tape Methods Read More »
Background/Introduction The AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5 Bridge Welding Code: 2015 published by the American Welding Society (AWS) covers the welding requirements for The American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) welded highway bridges fabricated from carbon and low-alloy constructional steels. This code covers welding fabrication requirements applicable to welded highway bridges. The code is applicable …
Changes to the 2015 Edition of the AASHTO/AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Code Read More »
Introduction Surface profile is defined as a measurement of the maximum peak-to-valley depth generated by abrasive blast cleaning and impact-type power tools. These operations effectively increase the surface area and provide an “anchor” for the applied coating system. The surface profile depth must be compatible with the total coating system thickness; typically, the thicker the …
Surface Profile Measurement Options on Rough/Pitted Steel Surfaces Read More »
