The Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange project created easier transport connections in this growing region of New South Wales.
Completed in 2016, a colourful roundabout and three-ringed art installation were designed as the centrepiece of the busy traffic hub in Glendale. Dulux Protective Coatings delivered on the architect's colour vision while achieving a durable concrete surface and protecting the steel rings from corrosion.
Project partners
- Asset owner: Lake Macquarie City Council
- Specifier: EJE Architecture
- Project Manager: Daracon
- Steel fabricator and applicator: Alfabs Group
Coatings
The steel coatings were applied in the steel fabrication workshop, with a final topcoat applied on site after assembly. The following system was used:
- 1st coat: Dulux® Zincanode® 402 at 75-microns (µm)
- 2nd coat: Dulux® Duremax® GPE at 200-microns (µm)
- 3rd coat: Dulux® Acrathane® IF at 60-microns (µm)
The roundabout surface was coated with:
- 1st coat: Dulux® Luxafloor® LGE at 150-microns (µm)
- 2nd coat: Dulux® Luxafloor® PTX at 100-microns (µm)
What was the challenge?
For the steel art installation, a C3 coating system was required to address the medium corrosivity environment. The customer was also seeking an isocyanate-free solution for spray application in a public space.
Key considerations for the roundabout surface were colour, longevity and ease of application.
What were the inspection findings?
The steel rings were still corrosion free after six years. However, there was some chalking and loss of gloss on the topcoat due to extreme UV exposure.
Due to the high traffic environment, there was some ingrained dirt on the rings and roundabout surface.
Coating rating after 6 years
Level 2*
Up close
"The corrosion protection system was absolutely sound after six years. In fact, the dry film thickness on the rings was higher than expected," says Adam Hockey, Dulux Protective Coatings' Business Development Executive in New South Wales. "For aesthetic reasons only, the colour could be updated with a clean and new topcoat. Regular cleaning of steel and concrete is also recommended but some dirt ingress is to be expected in this very heavily traffic environment."
System benefits
For the steel rings, our system offered a broad range of Dulux Colour Specifier Colours and AS2700 colours, while also achieving C3-level corrosion protection.
- Zincanode 402 is a economical and fast-drying primer that offers excellent corrosion protection.
- Barrier protector Duremax GPE resists corrosion and abrasion.
- Acrathane IF is highly resistant to graffiti and abrasion. It meets the requirement for isocyanate-free application.
For the roundabout surface, Luxafloor's proven system offered an easy application. The base coat transforms bare concrete with roller application, while the topcoat can be applied by brush or roller. It is a high build coating designed for ease of use and exceptional flow out.
- Luxafloor LGE is a high-solids, semi-gloss epoxy floor coating with excellent durability and chemical resistance. It can withstand repeated cleaning and hosing down and even withstands ponding water.
For exterior surfaces, the topcoat of Luxafloor PTX delivers excellent gloss and colour retention under extreme UV exposure.
* Coating Inspection 5-Level Rating System
Coatings are inspected to determine the degree of deterioration. Ratings indicate the following condition status:
- No film damage other than dirt and minor staining
- Soiled, stained, ingrained dirt, chalking or loss of gloss
- Minor film damage (cracking, flaking or erosion of topcoats) in small areas
- Minor corrosion where up to 0.5% of the base metal is showing signs of rusting
- Widespread and excessive corrosion and damage
