Lasting colour and protection for Honeysuckle pedestrian bridge

An integral feature of Newcastle's recently transformed waterfront, the striking, architecturally designed Honeysuckle pedestrian bridge spans the historic Cottage Creek, joining the foreshore promenade to Honeysuckle Park and creating approximately 11km of uninterrupted pathways along Newcastle’s stunning harbour.

Located in a highly corrosive harbourside area exposed to harsh, unrelenting UV light, the steel structure required long lasting protection against corrosion, fading and graffiti.

Addressing a three-part challenge

To address the particular challenges, Dulux® Protective Coatings Adam Hockey and Chris Eldred recommended:

• Dulux® Zincanode® 402 for advanced anode corrosion protection
• Dulux® Duremax® GPE® MIO for barrier protection against corrosion
• Dulux® Duremax® GPE ZP for inhibitive corrosion protection
• Dulux® Quantum® V92 for superior graffiti resistance and removal, and lasting colour

"The asset owners had three key requirements; they wanted superior corrosion protection, long lasting colour and graffiti-resistance," Adam explains. "We were able to recommend a protective system that could deliver on all those requirements."

Graffiti-resistance, long-lasting colour and advanced corrosion protection

The recommended system for the structural steel included:

• 1st coat: Dulux® Zincanode® 402 @ 75-microns (µm) DFT
• 2nd coat: Dulux® Duremax® GPE® MIO @ 200-microns (µm) DFT
• Topcoat: Dulux® Quantum® V92 @ 75-microns (µm) DFT

The recommended system for the structural galvanised steel included:

• 1st coat: Dulux® Duremax® GPE ZP @ 125-microns (µm) DFT
• 2nd coat: Dulux® Duremax® GPE MIO @ 200-microns (µm) DFT
• Topcoat: Dulux® Quantum® V92 @ 75-microns (µm) DFT

"We chose Zincanode 402 as the primer for the structural steel because of the advanced cathodic corrosion protection it provides, making it highly suitable for particularly harsh corrosive environments," Adam explains.

"Duremax GPE MIO provides an additional layer of enhanced barrier protection, while the Quantum V92 topcoat delivers the superior weathering and gloss retention that will ensure the bridge continues to look great well into the future, even after years of UV exposure."

Premium topcoat extends maintenance intervals

For Adam, there was no question that Quantum V92 was the perfect topcoat for this project.

"For public spaces such as commercial facades and retail complexes or infrastructure like the Honeysuckle pedestrian bridge, you can't go past Quantum V92," he explains. "It’s gloss and colour retention, as well as its excellent graffiti resistance make it the ideal choice."

"Asset owners in particular love its durability which, significantly extends the time between maintenance."

Easy application a bonus

Loved by asset owners for its durability, Quantum V92 is also popular with applicators who find it very easy and straight forward to apply.

In the case of the Honeysuckle pedestrian bridge, the surface was initially sandblasted before an in-yard spray application. Final touch ups were made on site with a brush.

Rapid product delivery in striking colour

The supply and delivery of coatings for this project were executed with speed and efficiency. The Quantum V92 coating was expertly tinted and applied using the Australian Standard colour Aqua in Victoria. To meet the project's strict deadlines, the painted steelwork was swiftly transported to New South Wales.

"Timely product supply is crucial in infrastructure projects, and this particular project was no exception," Adam explains. "We were able to tint and supply the product in Victoria within a few days, which significantly contributed to keeping the project on schedule."

Notably Quantum V92 is available in a wide range of colours from the Dulux World of Colour, and is also available in the 206 colours of the AS2700 Australian Standard colour range.