Over 150 metres long, 6 metres wide and 10 metres high at its highest point, the walkway provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding suburbs and allows visitors to cross the busy Formby Road and the rail corridor safely.
Designed by Lyons Architecture – the architects behind the bold urban transformation that has reimagined
Devonport's CBD and river frontage – the walkway is comprised of a steel frame with 8.5 kms of Blackbutt timber decking and a perforated aluminium balustrade.
Long lasting protection for architectural feature
Situated in the highly corrosive environment of this port city, the steel framework for the walkway required long lasting protection against corrosion and the elements.
For Dulux® Protective Coatings Consultant and Devonport local, Gregory Marshall, a micaceous iron oxide (MIO) coating was the obvious solution.
"For a C4 or C5 environment such as the Devonport waterfront, you can't go past a micaceous iron oxide product. The protection it provides steel in highly corrosive environments is outstanding," Gregory explains.
For this project, Gregory recommended a durable three-coat system utilising Dulux® Zincanode® 402 and Dulux® Ferreko® No. 3 to deliver outstanding durability and abrasion resistance:
• 1st coat: Dulux® Zincanode® 402 @ 75-microns (µm) DFT
• 2nd coat: Dulux® Ferreko No. 3 @ 125-microns (µm) DFT
• Topcoat: Dulux® Ferreko No. 3 @ 125-microns (µm) DFT
A primer with punch
Zincanode 402 is a two pack epoxy zinc rich primer that provides robust cathodic corrosion resistance.
Offering rapid dry and overcoat times, Zincanode 402 is a popular option for project managers working within tight deadlines.
"It's a reliable primer often specified for use in power generation plants and oil refineries," Gregory explains. "Formulated to deliver long lasting protection."
A top-class topcoat
For Gregory, it was important that the chosen coating system delivered high levels of protection whilst maintaining a pleasing aesthetic.
"For an architectural feature such as this, we needed a system that not only performed well, but also looked great. The Ferreko topcoat certainly delivered on that front, with the Natural Grey finish contrasting beautifully with the timber."
A two part epoxy coating, Ferreko No. 3 stands up well against UV exposure and provides outstanding durability, corrosion protection and abrasion resistance, ensuring the walkway will look great for years to come.
Factory finish with onsite touch ups
Application of the coating system was straightforward. Steel was blast cleaned and fully coated in the factory using a heavy duty airless sprayer. Minor touch ups were then performed on site using a roller.
"There was some concern about onsite touch ups, however they proved to be very simple and blended in extremely well, delivering an excellent result," Gregory explains.
On tap technical support
For project managers, receiving local technical support and service from Dulux Protective Coatings throughout the project was a huge advantage.
"The fact that I was based in Devonport and able to respond immediately with advice and solutions was certainly a benefit," Gregory says.
The ready availability of products through Dulux distribution networks was another plus.
"Quick product delivery avoids costly delays," Gregory explains.
